True or false: A copy of a patient's prescription can be given to their spouse without a signed release of information.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It depends on the state
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (B)

This tests confidentiality and authorization for sharing patient information. A copy of a patient’s prescription contains protected health information, and you may not disclose PHI to someone outside the treatment team without the patient’s written authorization. Without a signed release, giving the prescription copy to a spouse would breach privacy rules. If the patient wants to share, obtain a signed authorization that specifies what can be shared and with whom. There are narrow exceptions only if the spouse is a legally designated personal representative or if a lawful exception applies, but these still require proper documentation. In practice, don’t provide the copy to the spouse without a signed release.