Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

The statement that the records may be disclosed only under certain circumstances is true because patient confidentiality is a fundamental principle in healthcare that is protected by law. In many jurisdictions, including Texas, healthcare providers are mandated to maintain the confidentiality of patient records and share them only under specific conditions. These may include instances where the patient has given explicit consent for their information to be shared, when required by law (such as reporting certain communicable diseases), or in emergencies where the patient is unable to consent.

The necessity for controlled access to patient records is in place to protect the patient's privacy and uphold the trust inherent in the patient-provider relationship. By allowing disclosure only under certain circumstances, the law aims to safeguard sensitive personal information while balancing the need for information in pertinent situations, such as in cases of medical emergencies or legal requirements.