Ethics Issue- Confidentiality Assignment

HIPAA has made it illegal, under threat of penalty, for healthcare practitioners to disclose confidential health information about patients to unauthorizes sources. Sharon, a second-year nursing student, is completing a surgical rotation in a community hospital. At the breakfast table, Sharon’s husband asks her to find out what is wrong with one of his employees, who has been hospitalized for several days. He is interested in knowing when the man may be able to return to work.

• Is it ethical for Sharon to give her husband this information? Defend your answer.