You may discuss private patient information with

• A. Lawyers
• B. Friends of the patient
• C. Law enforcement personnel who are acquaintances
• D. Law enforcement personnel with a direct interest in the patient

Answer: (D)

The main idea is confidentiality: you share private patient information only with people who have a legitimate need to know and are authorized to receive it. Law enforcement personnel who have a direct interest in the patient (for example, they’re directly involved in an investigation) may receive information as part of that investigation, provided the disclosure follows legal requirements and safeguards. Friends, or acquaintances, do not have a legitimate need to know, so sharing is not appropriate. Lawyers can receive information if the patient consents or a proper legal request is in place, but without that authorization, it’s not appropriate. So the best recipient is a law enforcement official who has a direct interest in the patient because they have a legitimate, specific need for the information.