Which practice best supports confidentiality in HIV care?

• A. Maintain confidentiality and obtain consent before disclosure as required by law.
• B. Share results with family without consent.
• C. Never document HIV status.
• D. Discuss diagnosis openly with all staff involved in care.

Answer: (A)

Protecting patient privacy is essential in HIV care. The best practice is to keep HIV information confidential and obtain the patient’s consent before sharing it, except when disclosure is required by law (such as certain public health reporting) or to protect others. This approach preserves trust, reduces stigma, and supports ongoing engagement in care. Sharing results with family without consent violates privacy and can deter people from seeking care. Not documenting HIV status impedes accurate care, legal records, and coordinated treatment. Discussing the diagnosis openly with all staff ignores the need-to-know principle and risks exposing sensitive information; information should be shared within the care team only when necessary and with appropriate safeguards.