Ethics & Law · single question
If a law enforcement officer comes with proper documentation and a strong legal order and requests patient documentation, what should you do?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Give records to law enforcement
- A. When law enforcement presents PROPER LEGAL DOCUMENTATION and a STRONG LEGAL ORDER (court order, subpoena, or warrant), the dental office MUST comply and provide the requested records WITHOUT requiring patient consent or notification. This is a mandatory HIPAA exception. The key qualifier is 'proper documentation and strong legal order' — informal requests do not carry the same obligation.
- B. Refusing a lawful court order is itself illegal. When a valid court order is presented, compliance is mandatory.
- C. HIPAA has a specific exception for law enforcement with a valid court order or subpoena — you do NOT need to inform the patient first when a COURT ORDER is presented. However, informal requests (without court order) may require patient notification.
- D. While contacting an attorney is prudent for complex situations, when a valid court order is presented, you are legally obligated to comply.