Which of the following actions is NOT appropriate for maintaining confidentiality of client records?

Maintaining confidentiality of client records is a fundamental principle in professional practice, especially in fields that deal with sensitive information. The action that is NOT appropriate for maintaining confidentiality is sharing records with unauthorized individuals. This violates ethical guidelines and legal standards regarding the protection of personal information.

Confidentiality requires professionals to safeguard client information and share it only with those who have a legitimate need to know. Sharing records without proper authorization can lead to breaches of trust and potential legal consequences. In contrast, the other actions listed—storing records in a locked cabinet, using codes for tracking documents, and shredding old records before disposal—are all appropriate measures designed to protect client confidentiality. These practices ensure that sensitive information is secure, accessible only to authorized personnel, and disposed of safely when no longer needed.