Final answer:
The Public Safety Principle is often evoked to break professional confidentiality, especially when a patient's condition poses a risk to others, such as with communicable diseases. Although HIPAA prioritizes confidentiality, the principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice may justify disclosing information to prevent harm. The decision to break confidentiality should consider the severity of potential harm and the need to protect others.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle often evoked for the breaking of professional confidentiality is the C) Public Safety Principle. In situations where the disclosure of confidential information may prevent a serious threat to public safety or the welfare of others, this principle can override the duty to maintain confidentiality. For example, in medical cases where a patient's condition poses a risk to others, such as with certain communicable diseases, healthcare providers may need to inform those at risk, even without the patient's consent. This is particularly true if a sexual partner is at risk of a sexually transmitted disease. While patient privacy is crucial, and both HIPAA rules and professional ethical standards generally prioritize confidentiality, such rules are not absolute and must be balanced against the need to protect others from harm.
Confidentiality agreements and laws at the agency, state, and federal levels all emphasize the importance of protecting personal information. However, the principles of beneficence (acting in the best interest of others), nonmaleficence (avoiding harm), and justice play a crucial role in determining when it may be necessary to break confidentiality to safeguard others.
Nonetheless, these decisions are complex and must take into account the severity of the potential harm, the likelihood of transmission, and the ability to prevent harm. The disclosure should be limited to what is necessary to prevent the risk, and where possible, the patient's consent should be sought before sharing personal information.