Which ethical principle requires protecting patient information from unauthorized disclosure?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Confidentiality
• C. Privacy
• D. Truthfulness

Answer: (B)

Confidentiality governs keeping patient information private and sharing it only with those who need to know for the patient's care or with proper patient consent or legal permission. This ethical obligation protects trust in the patient–provider relationship and ensures patients feel safe to share details necessary for their treatment. Privacy is a broader right to control access to personal data, and autonomy centers on the patient’s right to make informed decisions about their care. Truthfulness is about honesty in communication, not specifically how information is protected. While there are times when disclosure is required by law or allowed with consent, the principle that requires protecting information from unauthorized disclosure is confidentiality.