Which statement about confidentiality is incorrect?

Which statement about confidentiality is incorrect?

• A. It protects patient information from unauthorized access to preserve privacy and trust and comply with laws
• B. It allows disclosure of patient information to family members without consent
• C. It helps maintain trust between patients and providers and complies with laws
• D. It is essential for safeguarding patient privacy

Answer: (B)

Confidentiality means keeping patient information private and sharing it only with people who have permission or a legitimate need to know. This protects privacy, builds trust between patients and providers, and helps ensure compliance with privacy laws.

The correct principle here is that disclosure to family members without consent is not allowed as a general rule. Sharing details with family typically requires the patient’s explicit permission, unless there are specific legal or safety exceptions. When you respect confidentiality, you limit access to information to those who truly need it and obtain consent before sharing. This preserves privacy and reinforces trust, while aligning with legal obligations.

The other statements align with how confidentiality works: it guards information from unauthorized access, supports trust, and is essential for protecting patient privacy and complying with laws.