Which term describes an individual's right to keep health care information from being disclosed to others?

The term that accurately describes an individual's right to keep health care information from being disclosed to others is privacy. In the context of health care, privacy refers to the rights of individuals to control who has access to their personal health information and under what circumstances that information may be shared. This right is deeply rooted in medical ethics and legal frameworks, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, which establishes guidelines for the protection of health information.

Privacy ensures that individuals feel secure when seeking medical care and discussing sensitive information with their health care providers. It empowers patients by giving them the authority to decide whether to disclose their health information, thereby reinforcing trust in the health care system. Maintaining privacy helps to protect individuals from potential stigma or discrimination arising from the sharing of their health information.

The other terms, while related, describe different aspects of data handling. For example, confidentiality refers specifically to the obligation of health care providers and organizations to keep an individual's health information protected and to not disclose it without the individual's consent. Security relates to the measures taken to safeguard health information from unauthorized access or breaches, often involving technology and protocols. Privilege typically refers to the legal rights that protect certain communications from being disclosed in a legal context.