What should you do first if you notice printed PHI in a hospital before performing maintenance on a laser printer?

The appropriate first step in this scenario is to ask the customer to move the printed output to another area. This action helps to maintain patient confidentiality and protects the printed PHI (Protected Health Information) from being seen by unauthorized personnel. By relocating the printed documents, you minimize the risk of potential data breaches or HIPAA violations, which are critical considerations in a healthcare environment.

Taking this approach demonstrates a proactive stance in safeguarding sensitive information and aligns with the values of patient privacy and compliance with healthcare regulations. It's essential to ensure that any sensitive information is handled with care, particularly in a workplace like a hospital where patient confidentiality is paramount.