What is an example of an incidental disclosure?

An incidental disclosure occurs when private health information is unintentionally revealed to someone who should not have access to it, typically without any malicious intent or premeditated action involved. Option B perfectly fits this definition, as it describes a scenario where an individual overhears a conversation about a patient's diagnosis. This means that confidential information about the patient was shared in such a way that it could be accidentally perceived by others, thereby constituting an incidental disclosure.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not involve unintentional exposure to private information in the same manner. For instance, a doctor discussing a patient's health in private indicates a controlled and confidential environment; therefore, it does not qualify as an incidental disclosure. Additionally, a staff member accessing a medical record without permission points to a direct breach of confidentiality and potential misconduct rather than an incidental occurrence, while a patient being informed about their treatment options represents a proper disclosure of information to the patient, adhering to confidentiality protocols. This context clarifies why option B stands out as a clear example of incidental disclosure.