Which action is appropriate regarding patient information confidentiality?

• A. Obtain patient consent before sharing information.
• B. Share information with any family member who asks first
• C. Discuss patient details in public areas
• D. Assume consent if patient cannot respond

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality means patient information is shared only with people who have explicit permission or who have a legitimate need to know. The best action is to obtain the patient’s consent before sharing information. This protects the patient’s privacy, builds trust, and aligns with both ethical standards and legal requirements. Sharing details with a family member simply because they ask, discussing patient information in public areas, or assuming consent if the patient cannot respond are breaches of confidentiality and can have serious professional and legal consequences. In practice, disclose information only with the patient’s explicit consent or when there is a clear legal obligation or a legally authorized representative; if the patient can’t respond, follow established policies to determine who may consent or how to proceed, rather than assuming consent.