Which statement about patient record releases without consent is accurate?

• A. Records can be released if the patient is unhappy with care.
• B. Records can be released for any reason if requested in writing.
• C. Records may be released without consent only as allowed by law or with proper authorization.
• D. Records should never be released under any circumstances.

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is confidentiality and the limits on releasing patient information. Records can be released without a patient’s consent only in situations that are allowed by law or when there is a proper authorization. This reflects the privacy rules that protect PHI (protected health information) while still permitting necessary disclosures for things like public health reporting, court orders, or when a patient signs a valid authorization specifying what can be shared, with whom, and for what purpose.

Unhappy with the care does not justify a release, and a blanket statement that records can be released for any written request ignores the legal and authorization requirements. Likewise, never releasing records under any circumstances is incorrect because there are lawful and authorized exceptions.