Ethics & Law · single question
A law enforcement officer arrives with proper documentation and a strong legal order requesting patient records. What should you do?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Give the records to law enforcement as ordered
✓ B) Give records to law enforcement is correct.
Under HIPAA, covered entities may disclose PHI (protected health information) without patient authorization when required by law — including valid court orders, subpoenas, or legal warrants. If law enforcement presents proper documentation and a legal order, compliance is required. However, you should only disclose the minimum necessary information specified in the order. Informing the patient beforehand is ideal when possible but is not legally required in court-ordered disclosures.
Under HIPAA, covered entities may disclose PHI (protected health information) without patient authorization when required by law — including valid court orders, subpoenas, or legal warrants. If law enforcement presents proper documentation and a legal order, compliance is required. However, you should only disclose the minimum necessary information specified in the order. Informing the patient beforehand is ideal when possible but is not legally required in court-ordered disclosures.