Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Under which circumstance is a written release of confidential information necessary?

1. Care providers wanting access to records

2. Insurance adjusters requesting records

3. Family members wanting information about an adult patient

4. Law enforcement officials conducting an investigation

The correct answer is: Family members wanting information about an adult patient

A written release of confidential information is necessary when family members want information about an adult patient because of the legal protections surrounding patient confidentiality. Health information about an adult patient is considered sensitive, and providers must obtain explicit consent from the patient before disclosing any information to family members. This is in line with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which enforces patient rights to privacy and control over their personal health information. In contrast, care providers needing access to records typically have the right to obtain necessary information for the purpose of providing treatment, and they do not require a separate written release for this. Similarly, insurance adjusters often have access to pertinent information based on the patient's insurance policy terms, which usually includes provisions for information sharing for claim processing. Law enforcement officials may have different rights under certain circumstances, such as when investigating a crime or in situations specified by law, which could allow them to access records without the patient’s consent.