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Patient Confidentiality Rights

Meaning

Patient Confidentiality Rights are the legal and ethical entitlements of individuals to have their medical information, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and personal identifiers, protected from unauthorized disclosure. These rights form the bedrock of the patient-physician relationship, fostering the trust and encouraging the open communication necessary for effective clinical care. They are protected by a complex web of regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which mandate that healthcare entities obtain explicit consent before sharing protected health information. Upholding these rights is paramount to maintaining the dignity and privacy of every individual in the healthcare system.