Which of the following actions would violate HIPAA?

Releasing patient information without consent clearly violates HIPAA regulations. Under HIPAA, the Privacy Rule establishes national standards for the protection of individuals' medical records and personal health information. One of the core principles of HIPAA is that patient information should not be disclosed without the individual's consent or authorization unless it falls under exceptions provided by the law (like treatment, payment, or healthcare operations).

This means that any unauthorized dissemination of a patient's protected health information (PHI) can lead to significant legal ramifications, including civil and criminal penalties. Consent is essential to ensure that individuals have control over who accesses their sensitive information, thus safeguarding their privacy.

In contrast, discussing patient care in a private setting, sharing updates with other healthcare providers (as long as it is for treatment purposes), and securely storing records are compliant with HIPAA when performed within the guidelines established by the law. Therefore, the correct answer highlights a fundamental breach of patient privacy rights according to HIPAA regulations.