Final answer:
Federal law, primarily through HIPAA, prohibits the release of personal health records without patient consent. HIPAA ensures confidentiality and privacy of patient data, with additional protection against genetic discrimination provided by GINA.
Step-by-step explanation:
Federal laws, specifically the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), do not allow a patient to have their personal health records shared without their consent. This means that contacting a patient's sexual partners and revealing the patient's diagnosis would violate their privacy rights. The freedom to access one's health information must be balanced with legal considerations for privacy and confidentiality. This balance is crucial when policies are developed concerning the costs of treatments and diagnoses, the patient's quality of life, and risks to individual privacy.
Under HIPAA, healthcare providers and insurance companies are required to maintain strict confidentiality of patient records. There are exceptions like the Freedom of Information Act, but this does not extend to medical records, such as those for government employees, which are protected. When it comes to genetic information, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) further protects individuals from discrimination in employment and health insurance.
It's essential to ensure that personal, financial, and medical information shared with businesses and organizations remains private, with policies reflecting an understanding of this need while also catering to operational security and national interests.