If a recipient asks to keep a concern confidential, you should:

• A. Inform them you will investigate but keep confidential as much as possible
• B. Share details with others
• C. Ignore request
• D. Tell them to stop asking

Answer: (A)

Respecting confidentiality when a recipient raises a concern means committing to protect their privacy while you thoroughly address the issue. You should acknowledge the concern and explain that you will investigate and keep information confidential as much as possible, sharing only with people who need to know to conduct the investigation or to protect the recipient or others. Follow your organization’s policies and any applicable laws, and be clear about any limits to confidentiality—there are times when information must be disclosed for mandatory reporting, safety, or regulatory reasons, and you should explain what will be shared and with whom.

This approach builds trust and ensures concerns are taken seriously and handled properly. Sharing details with others who don’t need to know would breach confidentiality, ignoring the request neglects the recipient’s rights, and telling them to stop asking dismisses their concern and is not appropriate.