Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

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Prepare for the RDHAP Law and Ethics Exam with our comprehensive questions, detailed explanations, and expert tips. Achieve success today!

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In what situation can dental hygienists disclose confidential information without consent?

When they think it's in the client's best interest
To promote their practice
As required by law
When discussing cases with peers

The correct answer is: As required by law

Disclosure of confidential information by dental hygienists without consent is permissible when required by law. This means that if there are legal mandates, such as reporting requirements for certain diseases or abuse cases, dental hygienists are obligated to disclose information to comply with these laws. These situations are designed to protect public health or ensure safety rather than breaching confidentiality indiscriminately. The other situations, while they may appear relevant, do not hold the same legal weight. For instance, acting in what a dental hygienist believes to be the client's best interest could lead to ethical dilemmas or potential breaches of trust without explicit legal backing. Promoting their practice is a clear conflict with the principle of confidentiality, and discussing cases with peers typically requires consent unless the conversation falls within the bounds of existing legal exemptions pertaining to case review and supervision. Hence, it’s the legal obligation that justifies the disclosure without needing client consent.