Which of the following describes the protection of patient information from unauthorized access?

• A. Confidentiality
• B. Privacy
• C. Security
• D. Integrity

Answer: (A)

Protecting patient information from unauthorized access is about confidentiality. Confidentiality means keeping data secret and ensuring that only people with a legitimate need to know can view it, supported by policies, access controls, and safeguards. Privacy is about the patient’s rights to control how their information is collected, used, and disclosed, focusing on consent and expectations rather than the protection mechanisms themselves. Security refers to the overall safeguards—technical, administrative, and physical—that safeguard information, including access controls and encryption, which help achieve confidentiality. Integrity is about the accuracy and trustworthiness of data, ensuring it isn’t altered or corrupted. So the description of protection from unauthorized access aligns with confidentiality.