What does the term 'invasion of privacy' refer to in a medical context?

In a medical context, 'invasion of privacy' primarily refers to the release of medical records without permission. This concept is grounded in the ethical and legal obligation of healthcare providers to safeguard patient confidentiality. Medical records contain sensitive information that, if disclosed without consent, can lead to significant harm to a patient’s personal life, reputation, and trust in the healthcare system.

When a healthcare provider or institution releases medical records without explicit permission from the patient, it not only violates patient privacy but also breaches laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which establishes national standards for the protection of health information. This legal framework ensures that patients have control over who can access their personal health data.

While unauthorized access to medical records and the disclosure of test results to unintended parties also relate to privacy concerns, they fit more into the categories of breaches or violations rather than being the definition of 'invasion of privacy.' The failure to provide care does not pertain to privacy rights but rather to the duty of care owed by medical professionals to their patients. Thus, the correct choice specifically pinpoints an action that directly correlates to violating a patient's privacy regarding their medical information.