What does the right to privacy entail for clients?

The right to privacy for clients primarily involves maintaining the confidentiality of their personal health information. This means that any information relating to a client's medical history, treatment, and personal details should be protected and not shared without the client's explicit consent. Confidentiality fosters trust in the healthcare provider-client relationship, ensuring that clients feel safe disclosing sensitive information necessary for their care.

This right also aligns with various legal frameworks, including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States, which establishes national standards to protect individuals' medical records and other personal health information. Maintaining confidentiality upholds the dignity and autonomy of clients, allowing them to control who has access to their information and under what circumstances it can be shared.