As Mr. Jones was working on his roof, he fell and sustained a severe head injury that left him in a coma. Before he fell from the ladder, he and his wife, Mrs. Jones, were in the process of getting a divorce. However, the divorce was not final. Which statement best describes the circumstance regarding who may authorize disclosure to Mr. Jones’ records? a. His wife can’t authorize disclosure because they were getting a divorce. b. His wife may authorize disclosure because she is considered the next of kin since they are still married. c. Legal counsel must be sought to represent Mr. Jones. d. Mr. Jones’ eldest son can authorize the disclosure. d. Mr. Jones’ eldest son can authorize the disclosure.

Respuesta :

Answer:

B. His wife may authorize access because she is considered the next of kin and they are still married.

Explanation:

The most important phrase is 'the divorce was not final', This mean that at the point of accidents, Mrs. Jones still held the status as his wife and considered the next of kin that can talk in Mr. Jones behalf (unless He specifically mentioned otherwise to his lawyer).

Because of this, Mrs. Jones has the authority to disclose her husband record and determine the type of treatment that Mr. Jones can choose in case he is unable to do so by himself due to the accidents.