Release of patient health care records without consent is allowed only when?

• A. Never allowed
• B. Always allowed
• C. Only when authorized by law
• D. In emergencies only

Answer: (C)

Confidentiality of health records is fundamental, and patients generally control who sees their information. But there are legal exceptions: disclosures without patient consent are permitted only when authorized by law. This includes situations where a statute requires reporting (for example, certain injuries or diseases, child or elder abuse), when a court or administrative agency orders disclosure, or for other public health or safety purposes defined by law. In emergencies, disclosures may occur if necessary to prevent harm, but even then they must follow applicable laws and be limited to the minimum information needed. So, releases without consent happen only when the law specifically allows or requires it.