3 Confidentiality and Information Handling Free Online FlashCards

What is professional confidentiality?

Confidentiality is the professional duty to protect private information learned through work. It supports trust and client autonomy.

Is confidentiality absolute?

No. Ethical codes, laws, court orders, and immediate safety concerns may require or permit limited disclosure.

What should professionals explain about confidentiality at the start?

Explain what is recorded, who may access it, how it may be used, and when it might be shared without permission.

How should professionals handle confidentiality explanations over time?

Revisit the explanation when circumstances change, and do not promise secrecy that cannot be guaranteed.

What are examples of possible limits on confidentiality?

Examples include legally required reporting, serious and imminent risk of harm, and valid legal process. Applicable thresholds depend on law and professional standards.

Are a request, subpoena, and court order interchangeable?

No. A request, subpoena, and court order may have different requirements; verify which rules apply and consult the designated expert when needed.

What limits a HIPAA disclosure made under a court order?

Under HIPAA, a court-order disclosure is limited to the information expressly covered by that order.

What does the minimum-necessary approach require?

Share only information relevant to the purpose. HIPAA's minimum-necessary rule generally applies to uses and disclosures, with exceptions such as provider-to-provider treatment disclosures.

Who should receive confidential information?

Share with authorized people who have a legitimate role and need to know the information.

How should confidential information be transmitted?

Use an approved, reasonably secure channel and confirm the recipient when appropriate.

What should documentation of a disclosure include?

Record the request, the authority or consent relied on, what was disclosed, the recipient, and the reasoning, following workplace policy and applicable rules.

Which forms of information require confidentiality safeguards?

Protect spoken conversations, paper files, electronic records, messages, images, and identifying details with safeguards suited to each format.