Match each clinical scenario regarding patient information to the most appropriate ethical or legal principle governing confidentiality.
- A patient diagnosed with active tuberculosis refuses to allow the physician to notify anyone.Mandatory public health reporting exception
- A psychiatric patient reveals a detailed, credible plan to shoot a specific coworker.Duty to protect and warn identifiable third parties
- A 16-year-old seeks treatment for chlamydia and asks that their parents not be told.Minor's right to confidentiality for specific sensitive services
- An employer requests the medical records of an employee who was injured at work, but the employee has not consented.Requirement for explicit patient authorization prior to disclosure
Answer
Tuberculosis matches Mandatory public health reporting exception. Threat to coworker matches Duty to protect and warn. 16-year-old with STI matches Minor's right to confidentiality. Employer request matches Requirement for explicit patient authorization.
Confidentiality is a core medical ethic, but it has specific legal exceptions. Public health concerns (like tuberculosis) and imminent threats to third parties (Tarasoff) mandate breaching confidentiality. Conversely, minors have legal protections allowing them to seek STI treatment confidentially. Employers generally have no right to patient records without explicit consent.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Exceptions to Patient Confidentiality