What should a nurse ensure when faxing patient information to an acute rehabilitation center?

When faxing patient information to an acute rehabilitation center, ensuring that the fax number is accurate is crucial for maintaining patient confidentiality and complying with healthcare regulations. By confirming the fax number, the nurse helps to prevent sensitive patient information from being sent to the wrong recipient, which could lead to privacy violations, potential legal repercussions, and a breach of confidentiality obligations under HIPAA guidelines.

The process of verifying the recipient's fax number is an essential part of safeguarding protected health information (PHI). It reflects a commitment to responsible communication practices within healthcare settings, ensuring that patient data remains secure and confidential.