Discussing a mutual friend's hospitalization for depression violates which regulation?

Discussing a mutual friend's hospitalization for depression violates the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, commonly known as HIPAA. This regulation is designed to protect the privacy and security of an individual's medical information. Under HIPAA, personal health information, including details about hospitalization and diagnoses, is considered confidential and must not be disclosed without the patient's consent.

When a person shares information about a friend's mental health or hospitalization without authorization, they breach the confidentiality that HIPAA intends to protect. This is especially significant in cases involving sensitive conditions such as depression, where privacy is crucial for the individual's dignity and well-being.

The other regulations mentioned focus on different areas. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) addresses discrimination against individuals with disabilities, but it does not specifically govern the confidentiality of medical information. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) primarily pertains to workplace safety and health standards, unrelated to patient privacy. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with the right to take unpaid leave for family or medical reasons but does not cover the confidentiality of medical information. Thus, HIPAA is the relevant regulation in the context of discussing a friend's private health information.