A nurse is discussing the HIPAA privacy rule with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as an exception to the HIPAA privacy guidelines?

HIPAA permits the disclosure of protected health information without client consent when there is a serious and credible threat of harm to an identified individual or the public. A client threatening to harm someone meets this duty-to-warn exception, as healthcare providers have a legal and ethical obligation to protect potential victims. Deceased clients are still protected by HIPAA. Refusing treatment and involuntary commitment do not create exceptions to HIPAA privacy rules.