Patient confidentiality is the ethical and legal obligation of healthcare providers to protect the privacy of patient information. This means that any details about a patient's health, treatment, or personal circumstances cannot be shared without the patient's consent. Maintaining confidentiality helps build trust between patients and healthcare professionals, encouraging individuals to seek care without fear of judgment or exposure. In many countries, laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States enforce strict guidelines on how patient information is handled. Violating patient confidentiality can lead to serious consequences for healthcare providers, including legal penalties and loss of professional licenses.