Florida Basic Recruit Training Program High Liability (First Aid) Practice Exam

Under which circumstance can patient information be released without a signature?

1. When law enforcement requests it

2. When another health care provider needs it

3. If it is for statistical analysis

4. When the patient is unconscious

The correct answer is: When another health care provider needs it

The correct answer indicates that patient information can be shared without a signature when another health care provider needs it. This is based on the principle of continuity of care, which is vital in medical situations. When a patient is transferred between providers or treated by multiple healthcare professionals, sharing information without requiring a patient’s signature ensures that the new provider has the necessary information to make informed decisions about the patient's care. This practice aligns with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, which permit the sharing of protected health information (PHI) for treatment purposes without needing explicit consent from the patient. While law enforcement may request patient information under certain circumstances, such as a warrant or to investigate a crime, it generally requires strict adherence to specific legal protocols to maintain patient privacy. Statistical analysis often aggregates data in a way that does not involve individual patient information, making it a different context that typically does not require consent; however, any identifiable data still needs to abide by privacy laws. Similarly, if a patient is unconscious, actions may be taken to preserve life without prior consent, yet that does not necessarily mean that all patient information is released without authorization. Care is taken to restrict data that is disclosed further. Thus, the focus on the need of healthcare