What is the principle that protects personal medical information from being disclosed without consent?

The principle that protects personal medical information from being disclosed without consent is rooted in the concept of confidentiality. This principle mandates that information shared in a healthcare setting should be kept private between the patient and their healthcare providers. Confidentiality ensures that sensitive medical information is only shared with individuals or entities authorized by the patient, thereby fostering a trusting relationship in the patient-provider interaction.

In medical practice, maintaining confidentiality is crucial because it empowers patients to share their health concerns openly, knowing that their information will not be disclosed without their permission. Breaches of confidentiality can lead to significant harm, both personally to patients and professionally to healthcare providers, as it undermines trust and the integrity of the healthcare system.

While other terms such as privacy law and data protection relate to the broader context of maintaining personal information secure, confidentiality specifically addresses the duty to protect medical information at the individual level within the healthcare environment.