In the client’s chain of command, who is the ONLY person authorized to request confidential health information?

• A. Commander
• B. Supervising Nurse
• C. Case Manager
• D. Therapist

Answer: (A)

In the military context, who can request confidential health information is determined by the balance between protecting a service member’s privacy and the needs of the unit for readiness and safety. The person at the top of the chain of command has the authority to request information related to a service member’s medical status for purposes like assessing fitness for duty and mission readiness. That makes the Commander the sole person in the chain of command with that explicit authorization.

Other roles in care teams—such as a supervising nurse, case manager, or therapist—are involved in treatment and coordination of care and may share information with consent or as part of clinical care. They do not have unilateral authority to initiate a request for confidential health information to the chain of command without appropriate authorization or patient consent.

So, when it comes to requesting confidential health information within the chain of command, the Commander is the appropriate and authorized figure, reflecting the duty to balance privacy with the needs of military readiness.