When may you discuss a patient’s private information with family members?

• A. Always share with family if present
• B. Only with patient consent or as permitted by law; otherwise, do not disclose
• C. Never under any circumstance
• D. Only when patient is unconscious

Answer: (B)

Understanding confidentiality means recognizing when it’s appropriate to share a patient’s private information with family. You may discuss with family only if the patient has given explicit consent or if the law or professional policy permits the disclosure. When the patient cannot provide consent (for example, they’re unconscious or otherwise incapacitated) disclosure to family members involved in the patient’s care is allowed only to the extent necessary to provide treatment or protect welfare, and you should limit the information to what’s needed and seek consent as soon as possible. If there’s no consent and no legal allowance, you should not disclose. Sharing information simply because a family member is present is not appropriate, and neither is the idea that you must always disclose or never disclose.