What ethical principle is violated when patient information is shared without authorization?

When patient information is shared without authorization, the ethical principle that is violated is confidentiality. Confidentiality refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to protect personal health information and to restrict access to that information to only those who are authorized to receive it. This principle is foundational in establishing trust between patients and healthcare providers. When confidentiality is breached, it not only compromises the patient's privacy but can also lead to various negative outcomes, including emotional distress and potential discrimination.

In contrast, the other options relate to different ethical principles that govern healthcare. Beneficence involves acting in the best interest of the patient and promoting their well-being, while autonomy refers to respecting a patient's right to make their own informed decisions regarding their care. Justice is concerned with fairness and equality in the distribution of healthcare resources. While all these principles are important in healthcare ethics, the specific act of sharing patient information without consent directly undermines the principle of confidentiality.