Which statement best reflects ethical practice in releasing information?

• A. Release information freely to anyone
• B. Obtain explicit consent to release information
• C. Never release information
• D. Release only to supervisors

Answer: (B)

Ethical practice in releasing information centers on obtaining explicit informed consent from the client before any disclosure. Consent should specify what will be shared, with whom, for what purpose, and for how long, and it should be documented. Only the minimum necessary information should be released to the designated person or entity, and the client should have the option to revoke consent. There are exceptions for situations like imminent danger or mandated reporting, but those are the rare, legally required cases rather than the default. Releasing information to anyone without consent violates confidentiality, while never releasing information can impede care, and releasing only to supervisors without proper safeguards or consent fails to respect the client’s rights.