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

What should a health care provider do if they are unsure about releasing patient information?

1. Consult legal counsel

2. Release it anyway

3. Ask the patient for permission

4. Contact the hospital administration

The correct answer is: Consult legal counsel

In situations where a healthcare provider is uncertain about whether to release patient information, consulting legal counsel is the most prudent course of action. Legal counsel can provide authoritative guidance on laws and regulations governing patient confidentiality and privacy, such as HIPAA in the United States. This ensures that the provider understands their obligations and any potential legal ramifications before taking action. Legal counsel can clarify whether the information can be disclosed under specific circumstances, whether there's an obligation to inform the patient, and what steps should be taken if consent is needed. This protects both the patient’s rights and the healthcare provider from legal repercussions that may arise from unauthorized disclosure. While asking the patient for permission, contacting hospital administration, or deciding to release the information independently are common approaches in practice, none provide the same level of legal assurance as consulting with a legal expert for complex issues surrounding patient confidentiality.