Under what circumstances can confidential information or PII be released?

The release of confidential information or personally identifiable information (PII) is highly regulated to protect patient privacy. The correct answer pertains to the requirement of a written release from the patient, which serves as a formal and explicit authorization for the disclosure of sensitive information. This written consent ensures that the patient is fully informed about what information is being released, to whom, and for what purpose, thus enabling them to exercise control over their personal data.

Written consent is crucial in many healthcare scenarios, as it provides a clear record that the patient agreed to the release of their information, which can be important for compliance with laws like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). It also protects both the healthcare provider and the patient by defining the boundaries of the information shared.

In contrast, other circumstances mentioned, like verbal consent or emergency situations, may not always provide the needed assurance of protection during a data release. Similarly, releasing confidential information solely based on a request from an insurance company does not align with the requirement for patient consent, as it does not provide the patient autonomy or ensure compliance with privacy regulations.