Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

Under which circumstance is it permissible to release information from a patient's records without consent?

1. When the patient is deceased

2. When a family member requests it

3. When a court requests it by means of a subpoena

4. When it is needed for medical treatment

The correct answer is: When a court requests it by means of a subpoena

Releasing information from a patient's records without consent is permissible when a court requests it by means of a subpoena. A subpoena is a legal document that orders an individual to appear in court or produce evidence, including medical records. This process helps ensure that the legal system can access pertinent information while balancing the patient's right to privacy, as determined by the law. In such cases, the healthcare provider is often required by law to comply with the subpoena and provide the requested information. In other circumstances, such as when a patient is deceased, it may not automatically mean that records can be released without consideration of consent from the legal representative or executor of the estate. Family members requesting access do not typically have the right to receive information without the patient's consent or legal authority. Similarly, while medical treatment may allow access to information amongst healthcare providers, sharing records outside of direct care often requires consent.