Who can access a patient's confidential records?

The correct answer reflects the fundamental principle of patient confidentiality and the privacy protections established in federal and state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Under these regulations, a patient has the right to access their own medical records and to authorize representatives, such as family members or legal representatives, to access their information. This safeguard is essential to maintaining trust in the healthcare system, as it ensures that personal health information is only shared with individuals the patient has explicitly permitted to see it.

In contrast, the other options present scenarios that would not align with privacy laws. While certain healthcare providers involved in a patient's care may need access to this information for treatment purposes, this is restricted to those actively engaged in the patient's direct care and does not extend to all healthcare providers universally. Additionally, the public or any governmental agency cannot access these records without the patient's explicit consent or a legal requirement narrowly defined by law. These protections are in place to prevent unauthorized or inappropriate access to sensitive health information.