Which legal term refers to the obligation to keep patient information secure and private?

The term refers to the obligation to keep patient information secure and private is confidentiality. This concept is fundamental in healthcare information management, as it ensures that sensitive patient information is only accessible to authorized individuals and is protected against unauthorized disclosure. Confidentiality is rooted in ethical considerations and legal frameworks that govern the handling of personal health information.

In practice, maintaining confidentiality involves implementing policies, training staff, and using technology to safeguard patient data. This obligation is crucial not only for compliance with regulations such as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) in Canada but also for building trust between patients and healthcare providers. Adhering to confidentiality assures patients that their private information will be respected and protected, encouraging them to share necessary details for their care.

The other terms, while related to the broader context of health information management, do not specifically embody the complete responsibility for patient data protection that confidentiality does. Access pertains more to the permission granted to individuals to view or handle patient information, privacy typically reflects a broader right individuals have over their personal data, and security refers to the measures put in place to protect that data from breaches or leaks.