Which statement about patient confidentiality is true in Florida dental practice?

• A. Confidentiality violations are not subject to discipline.
• B. Maintaining patient confidentiality is optional.
• C. Violations of patient confidentiality are grounds for disciplinary action.
• D. The Board does not regulate confidentiality.

Answer: (C)

Maintaining patient confidentiality is a fundamental professional obligation in Florida dental practice, and breaches are taken seriously by the regulatory authority. The Florida Board of Dentistry enforces ethical standards and has the authority to discipline licensees for violations, including breaches of patient confidentiality. When patient information is disclosed without proper authorization or beyond what is legally permissible, it can lead to disciplinary actions such as sanctions, license suspension, or even revocation.

Confidentiality is supported by both state laws and federal privacy rules (HIPAA), which require protecting patient information and limit how it can be disclosed. Disclosures are allowed only for legitimate purposes (treatment, payment, healthcare operations) or as required by law, and to the extent necessary. This framework shows why protecting confidentiality is not optional and why violations can trigger disciplinary actions by the Board.