What is the correct priority order for disclosing a patient's medical record after death?

The correct priority order for disclosing a patient's medical record after death is built upon the principles of privacy and the legal authority individuals have concerning a decedent's health information. In this case, the spouse holds the highest priority to access the medical record, reflecting the legal precedence in many jurisdictions that spouses have the most substantial legal and emotional interest.

Following the spouse, an acting trustee comes next, as they may have fiduciary responsibilities defined by a will or trust, giving them a right to access the decedent's records to fulfill those duties. Adult children are next in line as they have a legitimate interest in the medical history of their deceased parent, particularly for understanding any health issues that may have genetic implications.

The inclusion of parents as a potential recipient is essential, recognizing that they may have an interest in the well-being of their deceased child, although this is usually secondary to the wishes of the spouse and adult children. Adult siblings appear next, as they might also require access for similar reasons. Finally, a guardian or conservator would be prioritized last since their authority is usually limited to individuals currently living and may not extend to deceased persons unless specified otherwise in legal documents.

This prioritization emphasizes a structured approach in accordance with the established norms regarding privacy and the