California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA) Practice Test

Confidentiality is a key principle included under patient rights because it ensures that patients' personal and medical information is kept private and protected. Patients have the right to expect that their health information will not be disclosed to unauthorized individuals without their consent. This is critical not only for maintaining trust between patients and healthcare providers but also for complying with laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which establishes national standards for the protection of health information.

While the other options also represent important aspects of patient rights—such as the right to treatment, right to financial assistance, and right to refuse services—confidentiality specifically addresses the ethical matter of safeguarding patients' sensitive information, which is foundational to the healthcare relationship. Adhering to confidentiality protocols enhances patients’ willingness to seek care and disclose necessary information for their treatment, thus ultimately improving health outcomes.