Which concept is designed to prevent the forced disclosure of information obtained by a healthcare provider during treatment?

The concept that is designed to prevent the forced disclosure of information obtained by a healthcare provider during treatment is the physician-patient privilege. This legal principle recognizes the confidentiality of communications between a patient and their healthcare provider, ensuring that patients can speak freely about their health without fear that their sensitive information will be disclosed in legal proceedings or other contexts.

The privilege promotes open and honest communication, which is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. This confidentiality extends to any information shared during the course of healthcare delivery, unless the patient waives this privilege or specific legal exceptions apply. This principle plays a critical role in encouraging individuals to seek medical care, knowing that their private information will be protected.

Other concepts, such as the business record exception, relate to the admissibility of certain types of records in legal proceedings but do not specifically address the confidentiality between healthcare providers and patients. The statute of limitations pertains to the time frame within which legal actions must be initiated and does not relate to information disclosure. The standard of care involves the appropriate level of care and treatment that a healthcare provider is expected to offer but does not encompass privacy protections.