Hospital Information Privacy: Patient Consent and HIPAA Rights

Hospitals generally cannot release patient/family information without explicit patient consent, due to confidentiality/privacy laws. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) federally protects health information privacy. Covered entities must protect patient info and cannot release without consent, except specific cases.

Exceptions: law enforcement/public health authorities in certain circumstances; sharing with other providers involved in patient's care (with privacy safeguards).