What term describes the unauthorized use or distribution of confidential patient information?

The term that specifically describes the unauthorized use or distribution of confidential patient information is a breach of confidentiality. This occurs when a person's private health information is disclosed without their consent, which violates the trust inherent in the patient-provider relationship and often breaches legal and ethical standards.

Breach of confidentiality can arise from various actions, such as sharing patient information with unauthorized individuals, failing to secure records appropriately, or accidentally exposing patient data. This is a significant concern in healthcare as it undermines patient trust, can lead to legal consequences, and suggests negligence in the safeguarding of sensitive information.

Informed consent pertains to the process of obtaining permission from patients before proceeding with treatments or interventions, and it does not address the unauthorized distribution of data. Legal disclosure involves sharing confidential information in compliance with legal provisions and is not synonymous with unauthorized use. Patient privilege refers to the legal right that protects certain communications between a patient and their healthcare provider from being disclosed in a legal setting, but it does not cover unauthorized disclosures. Thus, breach of confidentiality is the most accurate term for the specified issue of unauthorized patient information distribution.