When served with a court order directing the release of health records, an individual:

The correct answer is that an individual must comply with a court order directing the release of health records. When a court issues such an order, it carries the weight of the law, meaning that the individual is legally obligated to follow it. Compliance is necessary to fulfill legal requirements and to uphold the judicial process. Ignoring a court order can have serious legal consequences, including potential penalties for contempt of court.

In the context of health information, it’s important to note that even though patient privacy is paramount, a court order overrides an individual's discretion regarding the release of records. The judicial system recognizes the need for certain records to be disclosed for legal proceedings, which is why adherence to the court's directive is mandatory. This ensures that necessary evidence is available for the resolution of legal matters, promoting justice and accountability.