What is the legal term used to define the protection of health information in a patient-provider relationship?

The legal term that defines the protection of health information in a patient-provider relationship is confidentiality. This concept is fundamental in healthcare, as it ensures that any personal health information shared by a patient with their healthcare provider is kept private and is not disclosed to unauthorized individuals without the patient's consent.

Confidentiality is key to fostering trust between patients and providers, which encourages open communication and full disclosure of health-related information. Healthcare providers are legally and ethically obligated to protect patient data, and violations of confidentiality can lead to legal repercussions and damage to the provider's reputation.

While privacy and security are related concepts, they serve different roles. Privacy refers to the patient's right to control their personal health information, whereas security pertains to the measures taken to protect that information from unauthorized access or breaches. Access, in this context, refers to the ability of individuals to view or use health information, which is different from the broader legal protection of that information itself.