Under the Code, when may patient information be disclosed?

• A. Disclosing information only when legally required or necessary for welfare
• B. Sharing information with any party upon request
• C. Posting patient data in newsletters without consent
• D. Disclosing patient information to commercial sponsors without consent

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality of patient information is central. Information should be disclosed only when it is legally required or when it is necessary to safeguard the patient’s welfare (or the welfare of others) and to ensure appropriate care. This means sharing with other healthcare providers involved in treatment or with authorities when the law mandates it. Disclosures simply on request, posting in newsletters without consent, or sharing with sponsors without consent would violate privacy. So the appropriate rule is disclosure only when legally required or necessary for welfare.