LAW 4: Confidentiality

Question 1

Confidentiality should always be maintained unless what?

Answer 1

• consent is given by pt
• it is required by the law
• in the wider public interest

Question 2

what should you do when you are required to breach confidentiality?

Answer 2

give the minimum amount of information necessary

inform pt when you have to breach confidentiality

Question 3

do relatives have a right to know about a patient?

Answer 3

DO NOT have a right to know about the patient unless they are the parent of a child who is NOT Gillick competent

Question 4

what are the disclosures required by statute that don’t require consent?

Answer 4

• notification of death
• notification of termination
• treatment of drug addicts with specific drugs
• notable infectious disease

Question 5

what are the conditions in which to disclose information to the police?

Answer 5

• under a warrant from a circuit judge
• to aid a police request to identify drivers suspected of road traffic offences
• to aid police in all matters regarding terrorism

Question 6

when can confidentiality be breached in children?

Answer 6

• if it is thought to be in BI of child

- competence is assumed at 16, but confidentiality can be breached b/ 16-18 if it is in BI of child