Confidentiality of medical records: an overview for the Connecticut physician

An ongoing concern for physicians and their patients is protecting the confidentiality of medical records. The proliferation of electronic methods for collecting and storing medical information, along with the growing complexity of the health-care system, has created the need for new means to protect confidentiality. Currently, a patchwork of protections requires that physicians keep patients' medical information confidential. This article reviews the three major sources of medical confidentiality protections: Connecticut law, federal law, and professional standards, all of which provide an array of protections. A brief summary of proposed federal and state legislation is also included. The challenge of effectively maintaining confidentiality in today's electronic age has prompted the Connecticut General Assembly, Congress, and other federal agencies to consider additional safeguards. The article summarizes the relevant legal framework in order to orient medical professionals to the complexities, practice challenges, and legal aspects of maintaining confidentiality.