Under what circumstances is it appropriate to disclose confidential information without consent?

• A. Disclose to relatives without consent.
• B. Disclose to a coworker without reason.
• C. Disclose at the clinician's discretion for convenience.
• D. Disclose when legally required or to protect safety.

Answer: (D)

Confidentiality has clear protections, but there are legitimate exceptions. You may disclose confidential information without a patient’s consent only when it’s required by law or when doing so is necessary to protect someone’s safety. Legal requirements can include court orders or mandatory reporting laws, while safety concerns cover situations where disclosure is needed to prevent harm to the patient or to others (for example, warning a potential victim or informing authorities about an imminent risk). Because of these safeguards, sharing information with relatives or coworkers without a valid reason, or doing it for convenience, would breach confidentiality. So the correct approach is to disclose only when legally mandated or to prevent harm.