Which statement describes who should know a person's private health information?

Which statement describes who should know a person's private health information?

• A. All staff members should have access to all health records.
• B. Only physicians should have access.
• C. Family members can access records with permission.
• D. Only people who must have information to care for or to process records should know a person's private health information.

Answer: (D)

Protecting a patient’s private health information means sharing only with those who need it to provide care or to manage the records. This fits the principle of the minimum necessary standard: information is disclosed only to people whose roles require it. In practice, it includes direct-care staff and anyone who handles the chart or billing who needs specific details to do their job. Family members may see information only if the patient has given explicit permission, or if sharing is necessary for the patient’s care and allowed by law. This approach keeps confidentiality while still allowing essential care and administrative tasks to proceed.

Protecting a patient’s private health information means sharing only with those who need it to provide care or to manage the records. This fits the principle of the minimum necessary standard: information is disclosed only to people whose roles require it. In practice, it includes direct-care staff and anyone who handles the chart or billing who needs specific details to do their job. Family members may see information only if the patient has given explicit permission, or if sharing is necessary for the patient’s care and allowed by law. This approach keeps confidentiality while still allowing essential care and administrative tasks to proceed.