Discuss the main consent framework and legal requirements for health professional patient STD notification and treatment. Flashcards
What does the Public Health (control of disease) Act state must happen if you become aware, or suspect, that a patient you are attending is suffering from a notifiable disease
you must send a certificate to the “proper officer” of the local authority
True or false?
When tracing sexual contacts, you do not need to ensure that the identities of patients and contacts remain confidential
FALSE
you must ensure the identities of all patients and contacts are confidential
Which regulation states that “venereal diseases must be reported and the regulations make provision for the tracing of sexual contacts”
NHS venereal diseases regulations
According to GMC guidance, when you must disclose information to satisfy a specific statutory requirement, such as notification of a known or suspected case of communicable disease, what must also happen?
- You should inform patients about such disclosures, wherever that is practicable
- you do not need to get their consent
According to the GMC, what can you do if you cannot persuade your patient to disclose their infection status?
You may disclose information in the public interest
What are 3 practices that should be ensured if an existing sample is tested for a communicable disease?
- you must inform the patient at the earliest opportunity
- only the patient and those exposed to potential infection should be advised of the result
- it should not be entered into medical record without consent
According to GMC guidance on confidentiality, “confidential medical care is recognised in law as being in the public interest”. When is this not true?
When there is a public interest in disclosing information to protect individuals or society from risks of serious harm
Should you ask for the patient’s consent to disclose their infection status?
Yes
