Which term describes the right to view or access health information held by a provider under privacy laws?

• A. Access
• B. Confidentiality
• C. Privacy
• D. Security

Answer: (C)

Access describes the right to view or obtain health information held by a provider under privacy laws. This is the specific entitlement that lets individuals inspect their records, request copies, and obtain information about their care, so they can understand and participate in decisions about their health. It’s a concrete right created by privacy protections to ensure people can access their own data when needed.

Confidentiality is the obligation of the provider to keep information private and not disclose it to unauthorized parties. Privacy is the broader principle that governs how personal information is collected, used, and disclosed, including an individual’s control over that information. Security refers to the safeguards—technical, physical, and administrative—that protect information from unauthorized access, loss, or damage.