How do "patient confidentiality" and "patient privacy" differ?

The distinction between confidentiality and privacy is foundational in the context of healthcare and patient rights. Confidentiality specifically involves the ethical and legal obligation of healthcare providers to protect patient information from unauthorized access and disclosure. This means that medical professionals must ensure that sensitive information shared by patients during their care is kept secure and is only accessible to those who are authorized to see it.

On the other hand, privacy pertains to the rights of patients to control their personal health information. This includes the ability to decide who has access to their information and the conditions under which it may be shared. Privacy is about the individual's autonomy and their right to keep certain personal aspects hidden from others.

Therefore, the correct choice highlights that confidentiality is about the responsibilities of providers, while privacy focuses on the rights of patients. Understanding this difference is crucial for adhering to HIPAA guidelines, which aim to protect both the confidentiality of patient records and the privacy of their personal health information.