The term 'Disclosure' in Part 2 refers to which action?

The term 'Disclosure' in Part 2 refers to which action?

• A. Storing records in a secure archive.
• B. Creation of new records.
• C. De-identifying data for research.
• D. Communication of records containing patient-identifying information.

Answer: (D)

Disclosure means releasing or communicating patient information to someone outside the originating organization. It’s about sharing records that contain identifying details, such as sending a chart to another facility, sharing with a third party, or giving someone access to identifiable records. This is different from storing records, which is about keeping or archiving information, and from creating new records, which is generating new entries. De-identifying data involves removing identifiers so the information can be used without revealing who the patient is, which is the opposite of disclosing identifiable information. So the action described by disclosure is the act of sharing or transmitting records that still identify the patient.

Disclosure means releasing or communicating patient information to someone outside the originating organization. It’s about sharing records that contain identifying details, such as sending a chart to another facility, sharing with a third party, or giving someone access to identifiable records. This is different from storing records, which is about keeping or archiving information, and from creating new records, which is generating new entries. De-identifying data involves removing identifiers so the information can be used without revealing who the patient is, which is the opposite of disclosing identifiable information. So the action described by disclosure is the act of sharing or transmitting records that still identify the patient.