What is the term for the obligation to keep patient information confidential?

What is the term for the obligation to keep patient information confidential?

• A. Privacy
• B. Confidentiality
• C. Veracity
• D. Beneficence

Answer: (B)

Confidentiality is the professional duty to keep patient information private. Once sensitive details are shared in the patient–provider relationship, the provider must protect that information and disclose it only with the patient’s consent or when legally required or necessary for care, payment, or operations. Privacy, while related, refers to the patient’s right to control access to their information, not the obligation of the provider. Veracity means telling the truth, and beneficence is acting in the patient’s best interest; neither captures the specific duty to protect disclosed information.

Confidentiality is the professional duty to keep patient information private. Once sensitive details are shared in the patient–provider relationship, the provider must protect that information and disclose it only with the patient’s consent or when legally required or necessary for care, payment, or operations. Privacy, while related, refers to the patient’s right to control access to their information, not the obligation of the provider. Veracity means telling the truth, and beneficence is acting in the patient’s best interest; neither captures the specific duty to protect disclosed information.