Which of the following does not have access to a patient's health information without authorization?

A medical staff physician who is not treating or consulting on a patient does not have access to that patient's health information without authorization. This aligns with privacy regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which stipulate that access to a patient's medical records is restricted to individuals who require the information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. If the physician is not involved in the patient's care, their need for accessing such information is not justified, thereby requiring the patient's consent to review their health records.

In contrast, the nursing unit involved with the patient, including staff who care for or are responsible for the patient's treatment, have a legitimate reason to access the information. Similarly, the quality management employee may access certain information for performance improvement initiatives within the healthcare setting, as they are involved in operations that pertain to the care delivered. Risk management personnel, when reviewing cases for potential legal issues, also have a defined purpose that might justify access, particularly in contexts of assessing liability or improving patient safety.