Final answer:
It is true that patient consent must be acquired before using or disclosing their personal health information, in accordance with laws such as HIPAA. Consent forms uphold confidentiality and patient rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that a consent for use and disclosure of information must be obtained from every patient before their personal health information is used or disclosed for purposes beyond their immediate medical care. This is in accordance with health privacy laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. Consent forms are crucial to maintain patient confidentiality and ensure that patients are aware of and agree to how their information is shared.
These forms must clearly explain what information will be released, to whom, and for what purpose. The patient has the right to restrict certain uses or disclosures, and they can also revoke their consent at any time, except to the extent that action has already been taken in reliance on it.