The Illusion of Health Privacy in Obstetrics-gynecology.

Many health professionals and patients erroneously believe that professional ethics and laws protect the privacy of sensitive records in obstetrics-gynecology. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule permits disclosure of health records without authorization for public health, law enforcement, and other reasons. Individuals also may be compelled to authorize the release of their records in applying for employment, life insurance, or government benefits. Disclosure of sensitive health information has increased because of comprehensive electronic health records, patient-developed data from mobile devices, consolidation of medical practices, and law enforcement interest in reproductive health records attributable to the change in abortion laws.