Which of these actions best supports data confidentiality?

Restricting information access to authorized personnel only is essential for maintaining data confidentiality. Confidentiality involves ensuring that sensitive information, such as patient records, is only accessible to individuals who have a legitimate need to know it as part of their job responsibilities. By limiting access, organizations can protect patient privacy, comply with regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), and safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized disclosure or breaches.

The emphasis on authorized access helps create a secure environment where sensitive information is handled appropriately, reducing the risk of data leaks and ensuring that only the right individuals can view or process that information. In contrast, discussing patient information in public settings or printing sensitive data compromises confidentiality, while making sensitive information public undermines privacy principles entirely.