What may be imposed for violations of patient confidentiality?

The correct answer indicates that penalties can be imposed for violations of patient confidentiality. In the context of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), violations of patient confidentiality are taken very seriously due to the sensitive nature of health information.

When an individual or entity breaches patient confidentiality, they may face significant penalties, which can include financial fines and legal consequences. The severity of these penalties can depend on various factors, such as the nature of the violation, whether it was unintentional or intentional, and the extent of harm caused to patients. The enforcement of penalties serves as a deterrent to protecting patient information and maintaining trust in the healthcare system.

Other options, while they may be relevant to an organization’s response to confidentiality breaches, do not carry the same level of legal consequence as penalties do. Warnings might be issued as a first step in some cases, but they are not typically the formal outcome aligned with HIPAA enforcement. Suspensions might apply within a workplace context but are not directly related to legal penalties imposed by external authorities. Additional training can be beneficial as a corrective measure, but it does not replace the need for penalties in cases of serious violations.