Final answer:
Politely decline to share confidential information when asked by someone outside the care team, emphasizing the importance of privacy and confidentiality. Special considerations apply when dealing with minors, balancing confidentiality with parents' rights and legal obligations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When approached by someone who is not on the care team asking to share a consumer's confidential information, the appropriate response is to politely decline, citing the importance of privacy and confidentiality. It is vital to adhere to the legal, ethical, and trust dimensions of confidentiality, especially with sensitive information related to health and personal matters. If the information request involves a minor, the situation becomes more complex, as health professionals must balance the adolescent's desire for confidentiality with parents' rights to be informed, while also considering legal requirements. Regardless, information should not be disclosed without proper authorization or clear legal obligations.