Certified Application Counselor Practice Test

What does consumer consent ensure in health care settings?

1. Tracking consumer satisfaction

2. Control over information sharing

3. Marketing of health products

4. Automatic enrollment in programs

The correct answer is: Control over information sharing

Consumer consent in health care settings primarily ensures control over information sharing. This means that individuals have the right to decide how their personal health information can be used and shared. By giving consent, patients can protect their privacy and have agency over who accesses their information, whether it's healthcare providers, insurers, or third-party entities. This concept is essential in maintaining trust in the healthcare system, as it provides patients with a feeling of security that their sensitive information will not be disclosed without their permission. The ability to control this information sharing is a fundamental aspect of patient rights and privacy laws, such as HIPAA in the United States. In contrast, tracking consumer satisfaction, marketing of health products, and automatic enrollment in programs do not directly relate to the individual's authority over their health information. These activities may occur independently of consumer consent and are not inherently focused on the individual's control and privacy rights concerning their personal health data.