California RDH Law and Ethics Exam Complete Practice Test

The correct answer is that dental hygienists may share a patient's health information only with the patient's consent or as legally required. This aligns with both ethical standards and legal regulations concerning patient confidentiality, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Under these regulations, patient health information is protected, and the patient has the right to control who has access to their personal health data. Sharing information without consent, except in certain legally defined circumstances (such as reporting abuse or public health concerns), can lead to legal repercussions and violate ethical duties.

In practice, dental hygienists often need to collaborate with other healthcare professionals for patient care, and that usually requires explicit consent from the patient. In circumstances where sharing is legally mandated—such as during a health crisis or if required by the court—dental hygienists are also permitted to disclose necessary information.

The other options do not reflect the legal and ethical standards governing patient privacy, which is crucial for maintaining trust in the dental care system.