What must a health information custodian ensure when transferring a client's PHI to another HIC?

When transferring a client's personal health information (PHI) to another health information custodian (HIC), it is essential that the transfer is for the purpose of providing care. This principle is grounded in the obligation to protect client information under privacy legislation, such as Canada’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Health information custodians are entrusted with safeguarding individual health records and ensuring that any sharing of this information aligns strictly with care-related functions.

Transferring PHI for the purpose of providing care ensures that the information is used to support the client's health needs, facilitate informed decision-making, and promote continuity of care among healthcare providers. This requirement emphasizes the accountability of HICs in protecting client privacy and ensuring that only relevant information is accessed and used for legitimate care purposes.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with legislative requirements or ethical standards for handling PHI. The receiving HIC must indeed be authorized to receive PHI, and client consent cannot be considered automatically granted; appropriate consent must be obtained. Additionally, sharing information indiscriminately with anyone in the same network undermines the necessary precautions that protect client privacy and confidentiality. Thus, ensuring the transfer is solely for the purpose of providing care is the correct and responsible stance for a health