In which case would it be permissible to provide controlled substance information without patient consent?

Providing controlled substance information without patient consent is permissible during a law enforcement investigation. When law enforcement authorities are conducting an official investigation, they are often granted specific legal access to certain records, including those related to controlled substances. This is to assist in enforcing the law and ensuring public safety, as law enforcement may need data regarding prescriptions and dispensations to track illegal activities such as drug abuse or trafficking.

In this context, patient confidentiality is still paramount; however, there are exceptions built into healthcare laws, like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which allow for the release of information when it is necessary for law enforcement purposes. This ensures that law enforcement can effectively address and investigate crimes involving controlled substances while maintaining the balance between privacy and public safety.

Other scenarios, such as marketing purposes, family inquiries, or notifying non-affiliated pharmacies, do not generally provide a valid legal basis for releasing patient-controlled substance information without consent, as these actions could violate patient privacy rights.