The ethical principle that a doctor does not disclose information given in confidence by a patient. The patient’s consent is needed before a doctor supplies confidential information to an insurance company, employer, or lawyer. However, doctors must disclose information when required to by law or when faced with injuries or disorders that indicate a serious crime. Doctors are also required to notify specified infectious diseases. Treatment of young children is usually discussed with the parents, but an older child’s request for confidentiality is generally respected if the doctor feels that he or she is competent enough to understand the issues involved.
Confidentiality |
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