Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) AMCA Practice Exam

What is it called when patient information is revealed without consent?

1. Informed consent

2. Confidentiality breach

3. Breach of contract

4. Negligence

The correct answer is: Breach of contract

The correct term for revealing patient information without consent is known as a confidentiality breach. This concept is critical in healthcare settings, where patient privacy is protected by laws and ethical guidelines. When healthcare professionals share patient information without the individual's knowledge or permission, it compromises the trust that forms the foundation of the patient-provider relationship and violates legal protections put in place, such as HIPAA in the United States. Informed consent refers to the process of obtaining permission from a patient before conducting a healthcare intervention, ensuring that the patient understands the procedure and associated risks. Breach of contract pertains to the violation of terms in an agreement, often involving parties other than the patient directly. Negligence relates to the failure to exercise due care, which causes harm or injury, but does not specifically address the unauthorized release of patient information. Thus, confidentiality breach is the precise terminology that defines the incident of unauthorized disclosure of personal health information.