Final answer:
The concept referred to in the question is confidentiality, a crucial element in the medical field that ensures patient information is not disclosed without consent. It is legally upheld by HIPAA and forms the ethical basis of the trust between patients and healthcare providers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Information given by a patient to medical personnel which cannot be disclosed without the consent of the person who gave it is known as confidentiality. In the medical field, confidentiality is paramount, as it helps to ensure patients can openly share sensitive information with healthcare providers without fear it will be shared inappropriately. This principle is protected under laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which sets standards for the protection of patient information and requires entities that deal with health information to maintain strict confidentiality of patient records.
From an ethical standpoint, confidentiality is also crucial as it builds trust between the patient and the healthcare provider. Confidentiality agreements and informed consent are important tools in safeguarding patient data. These ethical considerations are sometimes balanced against other factors, such as the need to inform sexual partners of potential risks, but such decisions must be made carefully to avoid violating HIPAA regulations and compromising patient trust.