What might happen if a physical therapist discloses information without patient consent?

Disclosing patient information without consent is a serious violation of ethical standards and legal requirements in the field of physical therapy and healthcare in general. When a physical therapist shares private information without the patient's permission, it constitutes a breach of confidentiality and may lead to various legal consequences. This can include disciplinary action from professional boards, lawsuits from the patient for invasion of privacy, and possible penalties under laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Maintaining confidentiality is critical to building trust between the therapist and patient, and any unauthorized disclosure directly undermines that trust and could adversely affect the patient's treatment and willingness to share information in the future. Thus, the risk of facing legal repercussions highlights the importance of adhering to ethical guidelines and the law regarding patient information.