Disclosure of protected information is only a breach of confidentiality when disclosed in writing.
A. TRUE
B. FALSE
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B. FALSE.
A breach of confidentiality occurs when protected information is disclosed inappropriately, regardless of the medium (written, spoken, or electronic). The essence of confidentiality is the duty to protect private information from being shared with unauthorized individuals. This responsibility applies to all forms of communication, not just written disclosures.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone in many fields, particularly in healthcare, law, and counseling. Professionals in these areas are entrusted with sensitive information that must remain private unless authorized for disclosure. A breach can occur through verbal communication (such as an oral conversation with an unauthorized person) or through electronic means (like an email or a database leak).
For instance, in healthcare, a nurse or physician disclosing a patient’s medical records without consent—whether by sharing them verbally with a third party or accidentally sending an email to the wrong recipient—would constitute a breach of confidentiality. The harm caused by such breaches isn’t limited to written documents but extends to any exposure of protected information.
Confidentiality laws, like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the U.S., emphasize the importance of safeguarding patient data in all forms. These laws hold organizations and individuals accountable for preventing unauthorized access or disclosure, whether it is in written, spoken, or digital form. Therefore, a breach of confidentiality is not limited to written disclosures but encompasses all instances where protected information is exposed without proper authorization.