If a healthcare provider is accused of breaching the privacy and confidentiality of a patient, what resource may a patient rely on to substantiate the provider's responsibility for keeping health information private?

A patient may rely on the Professional Code of Ethics to substantiate a healthcare provider's responsibility for keeping health information private because this code outlines the ethical obligations and standards that healthcare professionals are expected to adhere to in their practice. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and providing care that respects individual privacy rights. In many cases, healthcare providers are bound by these ethical guidelines, which serve as both a moral and professional benchmark for their conduct.

While the other resources mentioned also provide frameworks for privacy and confidentiality, the Professional Code of Ethics specifically addresses the ethical relationship between healthcare providers and their patients. This code reiterates the fundamental duty of healthcare providers to protect patient information and guide their professional behavior in situations involving sensitive health data. Thus, in a case of alleged breaches, the Professional Code of Ethics becomes a relevant and crucial resource to support the claim that a provider has an ethical responsibility to keep patient information private.