Regarding substance abuse testing, which action is permitted upon patient signature?

The action that is permitted upon patient signature is the collection and preparation of the specimen for testing. When a patient provides their signature, they are typically giving informed consent for the specimen to be collected under clearly outlined protocols. This consent is crucial in ensuring that the patient understands the process and agrees to participate voluntarily, which is a fundamental ethical consideration in medical practices, including substance abuse testing.

In the context of substance abuse testing, collecting and preparing the specimen is part of the standard procedure. It ensures that the sample is properly handled to maintain its integrity for accurate testing results. This process typically includes identifying the patient, properly labeling the specimen, and following appropriate guidelines for handling and shipping the samples to the testing laboratory, all of which are conducted with the patient's consent.

Other options are not permitted under the scope of patient rights and ethical practices. For instance, a patient cannot be forced to collect a specimen; this would violate their autonomy and rights. Additionally, transporting a specimen without the patient's consent undermines trust and consent protocols in medical practices. Finally, the release of test results is heavily regulated, often requiring explicit consent from the patient to share results beyond the healthcare professionals involved.