A nurse is concerned about the type of legal consequences that can result from breaching client confidentiality. Which source provides the legal requirements nurses must follow to protect client confidentiality in a nurse-patient relationship?

A. The Patient's Bill of Rights outlines client expectations and rights but is not the primary legal document governing confidentiality for nurses. B. The State’s Nurse Practice Act is correct because it is the legal framework that defines the scope of nursing practice and includes requirements to protect client confidentiality. Breaching confidentiality can lead to disciplinary action or loss of licensure. C. The Federal Constitution addresses broad legal rights but does not provide specific nursing confidentiality laws. D. The ANA Code of Ethics guides professional conduct and supports confidentiality but is not legally binding; violations are addressed through professional discipline rather than legal action.