What does the confidentiality of medical records ensure?

The confidentiality of medical records is designed to protect the privacy of individuals and ensures that personal health information is kept secure. This principle mandates that individual permission is necessary for any access to or sharing of medical records. Patients have the right to control who can see their sensitive information, which is integral to maintaining trust in healthcare systems. This right to consent is backed by laws and regulations, such as HIPAA in the United States, which emphasize the importance of patient confidentiality.

While certain healthcare professionals may have access to medical records for legitimate purposes such as treatment, research, or administrative activities, it must always be within the boundaries of the patient's explicit consent. This framework safeguards against unauthorized access and misuse, thereby upholding the ethical standards of medical confidentiality.