An investigator obtaining consent to review medical records and HIV status, then storing identifying information on a laptop that is stolen constitutes what?

The scenario describes an investigator's actions that lead to the improper handling of sensitive personal information. Obtaining consent to review medical records and HIV status is necessary, but once the investigator stores identifying information on a laptop that is later stolen, this raises significant concerns about the confidentiality of the data.

A breach of confidentiality occurs when an individual's private information is disclosed without authorization, which directly applies here. The laptop containing identifying information was compromised, resulting in unauthorized access to sensitive data about medical information and HIV status. This significant lapse not only undermines the privacy rights of individuals but also violates legal and ethical obligations to protect participants' information.

While other options might touch on ethical standards or data loss, the primary issue in this scenario is the unauthorized access to confidential information due to the lack of adequate protection measures. Thus, the correct interpretation of the situation is indeed a breach of confidentiality, as this action directly involves the mishandling of sensitive information entrusted to the investigator.