You are working at the desk in your hospital when another employec of the hospital asks for information about a patient who was admitted last night with a pulmonary embolus secondary to cancer. You know the details of the case. The person requesting the information states that he is a close friend and co-worker of your patient. He shows you proper identification proving he really is a co-worker of your patient who also works in the hospital.
Which of the following is the most appropriate response to this request?
a. Give him the information on the patient.
b. Give him the information only if he is a relative of the patient.
c. Inform him that you are not at liberty to give details regarding the patient without the patient's permission.
d. Have him sign a release or consent form before revealing the information.