Ethics, Morals And Law

Question 1

Under what circumstances can confidential information be disclosed to the police?

Answer 1

You must establish a legal basis for the request
Under Terrorism Act, Road Traffic Act, FGM Act
If there is sufficient public interest e.g. prevention of serious threats to the public, national security, or for the prevention or detection of serious crimes

Question 2

With regards to disclosure of confidential information - when is it an emergency? What if it is not an emergency?

Answer 2

An emergency is considered when non-disclosure of information would result in one of more individuals being at risk of harm
If it is not an emergency - requests should be made in daytime hours via form DP7

Question 3

Where can you seek advice and help regarding disclosure of confidential information to the police?

Answer 3

Information Governance Team or Caldicott Guardian

Data Protection Act

Question 4

What must be documented if information is disclosed?

Answer 4

The legal basis for disclosure/ statute

The name, rank, force/station and badge number of the officer

Question 5

What evidence/ samples can HCPs gather?

Answer 5

Evidence should be gathered by a forensic officer of police HCP
FICM midnight law release suggests that ethanol level in the case on an RTA is the only sample that a HCP may collect

Question 6

What can be achieved by conducting a case conference?

Answer 6

Determining best interests
Defining treatment aims and goals
Reviewing progress
Identifying and overcoming barriers
Defining roles and responsibilities
Resolving conflict