When may a chiropractor release patient records without consent?

• A. Only as allowed by law (e.g., certain legal requests or court orders) or with proper authorization.
• B. For any marketing purpose.
• C. Upon patient request without consent.
• D. Never release records.

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality of patient records means you may disclose them without the patient’s consent only when law or a properly authorized process allows it. This includes situations like a valid subpoena or court order, mandatory reporting requirements, or other statutory requests, as well as when you have a proper written release from the patient or their legal representative. Even in these cases, disclose only the minimum necessary to achieve the purpose and document the release. Marketing or routine sharing without consent isn’t permitted, and records aren’t released arbitrarily. So, releases without consent are allowed only under specific legal authorities or with proper authorization.