Unauthorized acquisition or disclosure of protected health information that affects privacy is known as what?

The correct answer is breach of confidentiality. This term specifically refers to the unauthorized acquisition or disclosure of protected health information, which is a critical aspect of patient privacy and confidentiality in healthcare.

In the context of healthcare, confidentiality requires that patient information be kept secure and only shared with authorized individuals. When this confidentiality is violated—whether through improper access to records, sharing information without consent, or failing to protect patient data—it constitutes a breach of confidentiality. This breach can lead to significant legal repercussions under laws such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States, which sets strict standards for the protection of health information.

Understanding this concept is vital for healthcare professionals, as they have ethical and legal obligations to maintain patient confidentiality, which is foundational to the trust in the healthcare system. Breaches not only affect individual patients but can also lead to broader implications for the healthcare institution, including loss of reputation and legal liabilities.