Who can provide express consent for the release of patient information?

The correct answer is that the patient themselves can provide express consent for the release of their information. This principle is rooted in the concept of patient autonomy and confidentiality, which are fundamental to medical ethics and law. Patients have the right to control who has access to their personal health information, and their consent must be obtained before sharing such information with third parties.

When the patient provides express consent, it can be in written form or verbally, depending on the context and the legal requirements in various jurisdictions. This consent must be informed, meaning the patient understands what information is being shared, with whom, and for what purpose.

The other choices involve parties that typically need consent from the patient to access patient information. Healthcare providers within the same organization may share information as part of treatment, but it usually does not constitute express consent from the patient. Family members generally do not have the authority to access a patient’s medical information without explicit permission from the patient. Similarly, other practitioners known to the patient require the patient’s consent to release information. Thus, it is the patient who holds the primary right to consent to the sharing of their health information.