In which situation is express consent required?

Express consent is required in situations where the disclosure of personal health information involves sensitive details that could impact a client's privacy. When sharing this type of information with another custodian for purposes other than health care, express consent ensures that the individual is fully aware and has agreed to the specific use of their personal data. It upholds client autonomy and fosters trust in the professional relationship by making sure that individuals have control over their own health information.

In scenarios involving general health status confirmation, audit purposes, or quality improvement activities, implied consent is often sufficient as these situations typically fall within the ongoing care or operational assessments related to health services. Such activities are generally understood to be part of the regular use of information in a clinical setting, and the expectation is that patients consent to these uses as part of their overall consent for care.