In all the chapters the Case Studies represent situations similar to those that the medical assistant may encounter in daily practice. Students are encouraged to consider the case study as they read each chapter.

A medical assistant is very busy on a Monday morning. She has drawn blood on a patient that she has known for years and has been very comfortable chatting with this patient. The patient is checking out at the front desk in the reception area, and she notices that he forgot his prescription for Dilantin, a medication for seizure control. She rushes up to the front area and, as he is opening the door, says to him, “Mr. Doe, you forgot your prescription for Dilantin.”

As you read this chapter, consider the following questions:

1. Does the medical assistant's comment represent a breach of confidentiality?

2. Has any HIPAA rule been violated? If so, which one?