Explanation

Media inquiries about patients require strict adherence to confidentiality regardless of the patient's public profile. Under HIPAA and professional ethics, the PMHNP cannot confirm, deny, or discuss any individual's status as a patient without explicit written authorization from that patient. This applies regardless of whether the patient is a public figure, whether the information is already publicly available from other sources, whether the journalist claims to already know the information, or whether the inquiry is characterized as 'off the record.' The PMHNP should provide a consistent, neutral response that neither confirms nor denies the treatment relationship. If the clinic has a public relations department, media inquiries may be directed there, but the PMHNP should not disclose patient information to any party without authorization.

Key Takeaway

Never confirm, deny, or provide information about any individual's patient status to media.