What must be obtained before disclosing patient information in most cases?

Obtaining patient consent is a fundamental requirement before disclosing patient information in most cases. This principle is rooted in the ethical considerations of patient confidentiality and privacy. In healthcare, patients have the right to control access to their personal health information. By acquiring explicit consent, healthcare providers ensure that patients are aware of and agree to how their information may be shared and used, thus respecting their autonomy and privacy rights.

Consent not only helps to build trust between patients and providers but also adheres to legal standards outlined in various regulations, such as HIPAA in the United States, which protects patient information and outlines the necessity of consent for disclosure.

While legal instructions, certificates of confidentiality, and written authorization from healthcare providers may have their own contexts and uses, they are not universally required in the way that patient consent is for sharing personal health information. Therefore, prioritizing patient consent aligns with the ethical and legal framework governing patient data confidentiality.