Disclosure of Confidential Medical Records-Ethical and Legal Dilemmas

This book examines the issue of disclosure of confidential medical information without patients consent. It analysis legal and ethical provisions in several jurisdictions in an attempt to justify disclosure of confidential medical information in situations where there are potential risks to the general public without an identifiable victim.Dilemmas around confidentiality arise when the principle of confidentiality is in possible conflict with other ethical principles such as avoiding harm to the patient or others. Breach of confidences can have deleterious consequences; particularly for the doctor¿patient relationship, but, failure to disclose in some situations could have serious implications for the well-being of the patient or the wider society.Disclosure could be beneficial both to the victim and the perpetrator especially if the victim or intended victim can be identified.