COPE Health Scholars Practice Test

Which of the following is a task that a Health Scholar should NOT perform?

1. Assisting the patient and family

2. Repositioning patients

3. Reading patients' charts

4. Transporting patients

The correct answer is: Reading patients' charts

Reading patients' charts is a task that Health Scholars should avoid performing due to the sensitivity and confidentiality of patient information. Patient charts contain personal health information that is protected under regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Only licensed healthcare professionals are authorized to access and interpret these records, as they can make clinical decisions based on the information contained within them. In contrast, assisting patients and their families, repositioning patients, and transporting patients typically fall within the supportive roles that Health Scholars can perform under proper supervision. These tasks are essential for patient comfort and care, fostering a supportive environment while allowing Health Scholars to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting. By refraining from reading charts, Health Scholars respect privacy rights and fulfill their responsibilities within the appropriate scope of their training.