In specific circumstances, patient confidential information may be released to which of the following?

Releasing patient confidential information is governed by strict legal and ethical standards, especially under laws such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Designated individuals are those who have been legally authorized to receive specific patient information, often to facilitate treatment or in the case of emergencies.

This means that if a patient has provided consent or if the information is needed for continuity of care and shared with someone who is involved in the patient's treatment, it can be disclosed to that designated individual. This includes caregivers, family members who are specifically authorized, or other healthcare providers directly involved in the patient’s care.

In contrast, sharing information with family members or the public without explicit patient consent generally does not meet legal and ethical standards, nor does sharing with all healthcare workers indiscriminately. Confidentiality must be respected, and information should only be disclosed to those who are explicitly designated and have a legitimate reason to access that information.