Doctor Patient Confidentiality

[jerryg]

In the state of Maryland is a mental health care professional bound by law to the concept of doctor patient confidentiality. If a doctor breaks this trust, is said doctor legally liable?

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

In the state of Maryland is a mental health care professional bound by law to the concept of doctor patient confidentiality. If a doctor breaks this trust, is said doctor legally liable?

http://www.cisp.org/imp/november_99/11_99gellman-insight.htm

 

[PamSJS]

It depends upon the circumstances and the state law. Most psychiatrists/psychologists/counselors are required to keep patient information confidential, unless there is a threat to human life, i.e., in your session, you have threatened to do harm to another. Then, the mental health provider may be required by law to report that information to authorities or the person who is in danger.

Another rule is where child or elder abuse is concerned. Most states now require anyone to report incidents of child or elder abuse to the department of family and children services.

The only exception to this rule is if the patient (you) are being treated for alcohol and/or drug abuse. Federal law protects persons being treated for A/DA (42 C.F.R. Part 2).

Hope this is helpful.

Pam