To share client data beyond treatment, what is required?

• A. Obtain consent for data sharing beyond treatment
• B. De-identify data and share freely
• C. No constraint
• D. Only share with family members

Answer: (A)

When information needs to be shared outside the care team, the client’s informed consent is required. This means the client openly agrees to what will be shared, with whom, and for what purpose, and understands any limits or duration of the disclosure. Consent protects privacy and is a fundamental ethical and legal duty. Without it, sharing identifiable data would breach confidentiality. De-identifying data can allow sharing in some cases, but it isn’t the same as sharing identifiable information, and it requires appropriate handling. Simply sharing only with family members does not satisfy the requirement, because explicit consent from the client specifying recipients is still needed.