How is patient confidentiality protected in cancer care?
Patient confidentiality is protected by laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. Healthcare providers are required to safeguard patients' personal and health information, ensuring that it is not disclosed without the patient's consent. This includes electronic records, paper records, and verbal communications. Breaches of confidentiality can result in legal penalties and loss of trust between patients and providers.