The ethical principle that a physician may not reveal any information disclosed in the course of medical attendance.
A principle observed by lawyers, physicians, pastors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other professionals that the professional relationships and private relationships with their clients/patients are not divulged to anyone else.
An obligation not to reveal professional information about a person or organisation.
The practice among professionals, such as lawyers, doctors, and psychologists, of regarding conversations with their clients or patients as private and not to be revealed to other unauthorized parties. If this confidentiality is protected by law, as it commonly is with lawyers and more variably with others, the conversation is sometimes called a privileged communication. Confidentiality of educational records, including those of handicapped children, have also been covered by various laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act.
The protected privacy of identifiable personal health information. The medical profession generally extends the promise of confidentiality to people who seek medical care. The patient physician relationship depends on an assurance of confidentiality to encourage full disclosure of pertinent health and lifestyle information that may affect a person’s medical diagnosis and treatment.
The ethical principle that doctors do not reveal to third parties, information that their patients have given in confidence. Normally the doctor must get permission to release confidential information to an employer (or other authoritative body), insurance company or lawyer. The doctor does have to provide such information if required by a court of law.
The maintenance of privacy, by not sharing or divulging to a third party privileged or entrusted information. Patients’ knowledge that they may safely discuss sensitive matters with their health care providers is necessary for successful, caring, and effective diagnosis and treatment. Matters discussed in confidence are held in secret, except in the rare instances when the information presents a clear threat to the health and well-being of another person, or in cases in which public health may be compromised by not revealing the information. In these instances, it is unethical and illegal not to disclose the information.
The ethical principle of medical confidentiality entails that a doctor refrains from revealing any information shared in confidence by a patient.
The patient’s consent is vital before a doctor shares confidential information with entities such as insurance companies, employers, or lawyers. However, doctors are obligated to disclose patient information when mandated by law or when confronted with injuries or conditions suggesting the commission of a serious crime. Furthermore, doctors are required to report cases of specified infectious diseases to health authorities.
When it comes to the treatment of young children, discussions typically take place with their parents. However, in the case of older children, if a doctor deems them competent enough to comprehend the related matters, their request for confidentiality is generally honored. This acknowledges their ability to understand the implications involved in their medical care.