Health care providers and health care institutions who disclose confidential health information may face what type of liability?

Health care providers and institutions that disclose confidential health information can indeed face both civil and criminal liability due to several factors surrounding patient privacy laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States.

Civil liability may arise from lawsuits initiated by patients or their families if they believe their confidential information has been mishandled or unlawfully disclosed. This can include monetary damages for any harm caused by the breach of confidentiality.

Criminal liability can occur when a disclosure is intentional or grossly negligent, involving willful misconduct or a severe disregard for the privacy laws protecting patient information. Violating these regulations can lead to fines and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach.

Therefore, the possibility of facing both civil and criminal consequences underscores the critical importance of adhering to regulations regarding the confidentiality of health information. This choice accurately encapsulates the extent of liability that health care providers and institutions may face.