Which statement represents an example of nonmaleficence?

The concept of nonmaleficence is grounded in the ethical principle of "do no harm," which is a core tenet in healthcare and health information management. This principle emphasizes the importance of not causing harm to patients or compromising their well-being.

In this context, ensuring that patient-identifiable information is not released to unauthorized parties is a direct application of nonmaleficence. By protecting sensitive data and maintaining confidentiality, healthcare professionals safeguard patients from the potential harm associated with breaches of privacy, such as identity theft or loss of trust in the healthcare system. This act demonstrates a commitment to the ethical obligation to prevent harm to patients by controlling access to their personal information.

The other options relate to ethical principles such as justice and respect for autonomy, but they do not specifically illustrate the principle of nonmaleficence. Ensuring that rules are applied fairly speaks to justice, while obtaining authorization for access to health information aligns with respect for patient autonomy. Releasing information to those who need it, while essential for care coordination, does not directly reflect the nonmaleficence principle, as it must be managed in a way that does not compromise patient safety or confidentiality.