Final answer:
Confidential information may be disclosed with client consent or in emergency situations to protect subjects from harm, and during internal investigations or legal proceedings, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unless prohibited by law, a professional responsibility exists to disclose confidential information under certain conditions. One of these conditions is with client consent. This consent should be informed and documented, ensuring that the client understands the implications of the disclosure. Moreover, in some emergency situations, professionals may be required to disclose information to prevent harm to the client or others, adhering to the principle of protecting subjects from personal harm. Confidentiality agreements and research subjects' rights, such as privacy and dignity, underline the importance of properly handling confidential information.
It is also essential to consider agency, state, and federal confidentiality rules and regulations which may dictate when disclosures are necessary or required, such as during internal investigations or when responding to legal authorities. However, disclosures should always be made with careful consideration of the potential impact on individuals' privacy and welfare.