Final answer:
The reading from the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network presents both consequentialist and deontological arguments in support of protecting the privacy of HIV/AIDS patients. The balance between confidentiality and the right to know of risks is ethically complex and is regulated by HIPAA rules in the U.S., which generally require consent before disclosure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reading from the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network addresses the ethical considerations surrounding the protection of privacy and confidentiality for persons living with HIV/AIDS. The answer to the student's question is C) Both consequentialist and deontological arguments. Consequentialist ethics would focus on the outcomes of protecting privacy, such as promoting trust between patients and healthcare providers, and encouraging people to get tested without fear of stigmatization or discrimination. On the other hand, deontological ethics would argue that individuals have a moral right to privacy and confidentiality, which should be upheld regardless of the consequences.
When it comes to balancing a patient's privacy rights against a sexual partner's right to know about potential risks, there is no simple answer. The decision often involves considering both ethical frameworks and the severity of the disease. Under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), physicians in the United States are generally required to maintain patient confidentiality, and disclosing a patient's health information without consent can be a violation of HIPAA rules, with few exceptions.