Arizona Life and Health Practice Exam

What does "public records" refer to in the context of personal information collection?

1. Data available from courts and government agencies

2. Confidential documents held by the insurer

3. Private medical records of applicants

4. Internal financial statements of the applicant

The correct answer is: Data available from courts and government agencies

In the context of personal information collection, "public records" refers to data that is made available by courts and government agencies. This can include information such as court rulings, property ownership records, business licenses, and other official documents that are accessible to the general public. Because these records are maintained by governmental entities, they are not considered confidential and can typically be obtained without the consent of the individuals to whom the information pertains. The other options represent forms of information that are generally protected and not publicly accessible. Confidential documents held by the insurer, for instance, are considered proprietary and are not shared with the public. Similarly, private medical records of applicants fall under medical privacy laws, which restrict access to such sensitive information. Lastly, internal financial statements of the applicant are also typically confidential and not disclosed to the public. Therefore, the correct interpretation of "public records" aligns with the data available from courts and government agencies.