SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hipaa-talking-hallways

Two nurses need to discuss a patient in a hospital elevator. What should they do?

Speak quietly and avoid using the patient's name, or wait for a private spot.

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  1. Talk normally, since staff are allowed to discuss patients
  2. Speak quietly and avoid using the patient's name ✔
  3. Use the full name so nobody gets confused

Why: HIPAA does not ban all talk in public areas, but staff must use reasonable safeguards. HHS gives examples: speak quietly and avoid using patients' names in hallways and elevators.

Huh, didn't know that: HIPAA does not require removing every chance of being overheard, only reasonable safeguards.

The dad joke
Why did the elevator go quiet? It heard there was a privacy policy on board.
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References

Answer: Speak quietly and avoid using the patient's name. HIPAA does not ban all talk in public areas, but staff must use reasonable safeguards. HHS gives examples: speak quietly and avoid using patients' names in hallways and elevators.

  1. HHS: Incidental Uses and Disclosures www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/incidental-uses-and-disclosures/index.html
    By avoiding using patients’ names in public hallways and elevators
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. 45 CFR 164.530(c) (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-C/part-164/subpart-E/section-164.530
    A covered entity must reasonably safeguard protected health information to limit incidental uses or disclosures
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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