When sharing results with third parties, what should be done?

When sharing results with third parties, what should be done?

• A. Share only de-identified information and obtain client consent; limit content
• B. Share raw data with third parties
• C. Always reveal full client identity
• D. Never share any information

Answer: (A)

Protecting client confidentiality when sharing results is essential. When results are shared with third parties, use de-identified information and obtain the client’s informed consent, while limiting the content to what is necessary for the stated purpose. De-identification means removing direct identifiers (like name, address, and contact information) and any indirect details that could reasonably reveal who the client is, so the information can support evaluation or oversight without exposing identity. Informed consent should clearly outline who will receive the results, what will be shared, why it’s being shared, and how long the information will be used, giving the client a real choice about participation. This approach aligns with ethical standards that prioritize privacy, autonomy, and trust, while still allowing important third-party review, program evaluation, or supervision. Sharing raw data or revealing full identities would unnecessarily expose clients to risk, and never sharing information would prevent legitimate uses of the data for quality improvement and accountability.

Protecting client confidentiality when sharing results is essential. When results are shared with third parties, use de-identified information and obtain the client’s informed consent, while limiting the content to what is necessary for the stated purpose. De-identification means removing direct identifiers (like name, address, and contact information) and any indirect details that could reasonably reveal who the client is, so the information can support evaluation or oversight without exposing identity. Informed consent should clearly outline who will receive the results, what will be shared, why it’s being shared, and how long the information will be used, giving the client a real choice about participation. This approach aligns with ethical standards that prioritize privacy, autonomy, and trust, while still allowing important third-party review, program evaluation, or supervision. Sharing raw data or revealing full identities would unnecessarily expose clients to risk, and never sharing information would prevent legitimate uses of the data for quality improvement and accountability.