Which action best protects client privacy in CHW practice?

• A. Share information only with authorized individuals.
• B. Share information with friends if client consents.
• C. Post client information publicly to raise awareness.
• D. Store data on personal devices without encryption.

Answer: (A)

Protecting client privacy hinges on sharing information only with people who have a legitimate need to know it. In CHW practice, confidential information should flow to authorized team members or agencies involved in the client’s care, and only as much as is necessary to provide services. This preserves trust and aligns with ethical and legal standards for handling protected information.

Sharing with friends, even with client consent, isn’t appropriate because it goes beyond those who are directly involved in care and can lead to accidental disclosures. Posting client information publicly is a clear violation of confidentiality and can cause harm or stigma. Storing data on personal devices without encryption creates a serious security risk—if the device is lost or accessed by others, sensitive information could be exposed.