Final answer:
The most appropriate action is to comply with HIPAA, which requires patient consent to release medical records to a spouse. Ethically, this prioritizes patient privacy, but public health concerns may allow for disclosures when related to the management of STIs, as permitted under public health statutes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario where a spouse is demanding a copy of their partner's medical records, the most appropriate action is to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Only the patient can authorize the release of their own health records unless exceptional legal circumstances arise. Therefore, one should ask if a proper authorization from the patient exists to release this information to their spouse.
When it comes to the ethical dilemma of patient's privacy versus the right of a sexual partner to know about potential risks posed by STIs, HIPAA generally prioritizes patient confidentiality, except in HIPAA-approved public health disclosures where notifiable diseases must be reported to public health authorities.
Considering the privacy laws, healthcare providers should carefully balance the patient's right to privacy and the need to protect public health. If a physician knows the identity of a sexual partner and there's a risk of STI transmission, they can encourage the patient to notify their partner themselves or seek consent to make a notification if public health statutes apply.