If a physician determines that a direct disclosure of medical information to the patient could have an adverse effect on the health or safety of the individual, which is an appropriate course of action?

• A. Only release the information to the staff judge advocate (SJA)
• B. Release a copy of the record to the next of kin (NOK)
• C. Send the record to the military treatment facility (MTF) commander or his designee
• D. Only release the information to a physician named by the patient or to a person qualified to make psychiatric or mental determinations

Answer: (D)

When disclosure to the patient could put their health or safety at risk, the priority is to manage that risk through a trusted clinical channel. The appropriate course is to release the information only to a physician named by the patient or to a person who is qualified to make psychiatric or mental health determinations. This ensures the information goes to someone with the clinical expertise to assess risk, provide support, and coordinate care, while respecting the patient’s privacy by honoring their chosen provider or a competent mental health professional.

Disclosing to other parties such as a staff judge advocate, next of kin, or a commander would bypass the patient’s preferred management of their health information or lack the clinical context needed to address safety concerns, making them inappropriate for this situation.