Law

Question 1

When is it ok to break confidentiality/?

Answer 1

1. If it is required by law
   - Notifiable diseases
   - If ordered by a judge
   - Investigation of fitness to practice of a health professional
2. If it is justified in the public interest
   - Serious crime / terrorism
   - If the benefits to an individual/society outweigh the interest of maintaining confidentiality
3. If the patient has consented

Question 2

What makes an advance directive valid?

Answer 2

if it is:

1. in writing
2. signed and witnessed
3. include express statement that it should stand even if life is at risk

Question 3

When do you not have to get consent from a patient?

Answer 3

doctrine of necessity
emergency situations where it is not possible to gain consent
physician has a higher duty to save life

Question 4

What is Frasers guidelines? give the criteria

Answer 4

a set of criteria which must apply when medical practitioners are offering contraceptive services to under 16’s without parental knowledge or permission

1. pt can understand medical advice
2. pt cannot be persuaded to inform parents
3. she is likely to have sex w/o contraception
4. her mental/physical health are at risk w/o rx
5. pt’s best interest require rx or advice