Which of the following describes information exchanged between a doctor and a patient that is protected by law?

The concept of privileged communication refers to the confidential conversation that occurs between a doctor and a patient, which is protected by law from being disclosed without the consent of the patient. This legal protection ensures that patients can share sensitive information with their healthcare providers without fear of that information being shared with third parties, thereby fostering open and honest communication. This is critical in a healthcare setting as it allows for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

The other choices do not specifically pertain to the legal protections surrounding the information exchanged. The standard of care relates to the expected level of care that a medical professional should provide, informed consent refers to the process by which patients authorize a medical procedure after understanding its risks, and the duty of care defines the obligation of healthcare providers to adhere to a standard of reasonable care while performing their tasks. While all are important concepts in medical ethics and liability, only privileged communication specifically addresses the legal protection of shared information between a patient and doctor.