Under what circumstances can a chiropractor disclose a patient's health information without consent?

A chiropractor can disclose a patient's health information without consent when required by law. This situation includes scenarios such as mandatory reporting laws, criminal investigation cooperation, or other legal obligations that obligate healthcare providers to share specific information without needing patient authorization.

Legal requirements often stem from public health concerns, regulatory compliance, or safeguarding against potential harm. For instance, if a patient presents with a communicable disease, a chiropractor may be mandated to report this to public health authorities to control contagion. Additionally, in response to a court order or subpoena, disclosure may be necessary to comply with judicial requirements.

The other options focus on more discretionary or internal processes where consent typically would be required, such as verbal agreements or internal management practices, which do not align with legal imperatives that prioritize transparency and safety over patient confidentiality in specific contexts.