Professional Responsibility State Practice Exam

Under which circumstances may the disclosure of personal patient information be allowed?

1. When the healthcare provider deems it necessary

2. When the patient has given permission or there is a legal duty

3. When requested by family members

4. When transferring records to another provider

The correct answer is: When the patient has given permission or there is a legal duty

The disclosure of personal patient information is governed by principles of confidentiality and patient autonomy, primarily codified in laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. The correct answer reflects the core requirements for permissible disclosure of health information, emphasizing two critical aspects: the necessity of patient consent and legal obligations. When a patient provides explicit permission to share their information, that consent creates a lawful basis for disclosure. This respects the patient's right to control their own personal health information. Similarly, a legal duty to disclose can arise from various circumstances, such as mandatory reporting laws (for example, reporting certain communicable diseases or information about abuse). Hence, the combination of patient permission or a legal obligation underpins the ethical and legal framework for releasing private health information. In contrast, disclosing information simply because a healthcare provider believes it’s necessary, or because family members request it, fails to meet the required standards of consent or legal necessity. Additionally, while there are specific protocols for transferring records between providers, this typically requires more than just a request; it must be handled according to established legal provisions and often also requires patient consent. Thus, the focus on patient-centered care and adherence to legal standards solidifies why the correct approach is