Discussing a patient's examination results in the hospital elevator is a violation of:

Discussing a patient's examination results in a public space, such as a hospital elevator, constitutes a violation of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). HIPAA is a federal law that mandates the protection and confidential handling of patient health information. It ensures that personal health information is not disclosed without the patient's consent and is only shared with authorized individuals in secure environments.

The setting of an elevator, where conversations can easily be overheard, does not provide the privacy required for discussing sensitive health information. By adhering to HIPAA guidelines, healthcare professionals protect patients' rights to confidentiality and prevent unauthorized disclosures that could lead to privacy breaches and potential legal ramifications for both the patient and the healthcare provider.

While patient confidentiality laws and clinical guidelines are indeed related to the protection of patient information, HIPAA specifically addresses the legal framework and consequences associated with the handling of protected health information, making it the correct answer in this context. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations are focused on workplace safety and health standards, which are not directly relevant to the confidentiality of patient information.