Disclosure of a patient's information is allowed under which circumstance?

The correct choice is the circumstance in which the patient has provided consent. In healthcare, patient confidentiality is a cornerstone principle, and protecting a patient's private information is paramount. However, the law allows for disclosure of a patient's information when the patient gives specific consent for the healthcare provider to share their information with designated individuals or entities.

This consent must be informed and voluntary, meaning the patient understands what information will be shared and with whom. In practical terms, this means that the pharmacy staff can disclose information to fulfill the patient's request or to assist with care coordination, provided they have the patient's explicit permission.

The other options do not align with the legal and ethical standards governing patient information. For instance, disclosing information casually undermines the patient's privacy rights and goes against professional practice standards. While healthcare professionals often share patient information with one another for treatment purposes, it typically requires a higher level of consent or prior agreements to respect patient privacy. Lastly, a verbal request for information without established consent does not satisfy the legal requirements for disclosure, as it might not provide sufficient assurance of the patient's intent or understanding. Thus, obtaining explicit consent remains the key factor in permitting the disclosure of a patient's information.