Which situation does NOT require written consent to release client information?

In the context of ethical and legal standards for client confidentiality and the release of information, providing treatment to a client in a medical emergency is a situation where written consent to release client information is not required. This exception is grounded in the necessity to act swiftly to provide aid and ensure the client’s health and safety. In an emergency, the immediate need for care takes precedence over obtaining formal consent, which may not be feasible due to time constraints or the client's inability to provide it.

This principle acknowledges that when a client's life or health is at imminent risk, healthcare providers are permitted to share relevant health information with other professionals necessary for the client's treatment. This avoids delays that could potentially worsen the client's condition.

In contrast, situations involving billing, sharing information with family members, and releasing information to third-party payers typically require written consent from the client. These scenarios are governed by regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which strictly outlines how and when patient information can be shared outside of emergency situations.