Privacy
and confidentiality are often confused. Privacy is the right to make decisions about personal or private matters and blocking
access to private information. The patient voluntarily allows the physician access to private information in the trust that
it will not be disclosed to others. This confidentiality must be maintained within the confines of the Law even after death
of the patient. Confidentiality falls under the teaching of the prophet about keeping secrets.
In routine
hospital practice, many persons have access to confidential information but all are enjoined to keep such information confidential.
Confidentiality includes medical records of any form.
The patient
should not make unnecessary revelation of negative things about himself or herself.
The physician
can not disclose confidential information to a third party without the consent of the patient.
Information
can be released without the consent of the patient for purposes of medical care, for criminal investigations, and in the public
interest.
Release is not justified without
patient consent for the following purposes: education, research, medical audit, employment or insurance.
