It is ethically wrong for a doctor to break confidentiality if there is no potential harm that could come from not doing so. If the patient has given consent and it would be in their best interest, then breaking confidentiality might be necessary. In some cases of child abuse or elder neglect, a physician may need to break confidentiality with parental permission in order to report these crimes. Breaking this rule can have consequences like lawsuits on behalf of patients filed against physicians who violate those rights. Physicians are encouraged to keep detailed records about any confidential information they receive during the course of treatment; otherwise, they risk being sued by patients who feel their privacy was violated when doctors share what should have been private medical info without first getting written consent.
When can doctor patient confidentiality be broken
August 4, 2020 by
