Patient-Physician Confidentiality
The WSMA believes the information disclosed to a physician during the
course of the relationship between physician and patient is confidential
to the greatest possible degree. The physician should not reveal
confidential communications or information without the express consent of
the patient, unless required to do so by law.
The WSMA affirms that the physician obligation to safeguard patient
confidences is subject to certain exceptions because of overriding social
considerations. Where a patient threatens to inflict bodily harm to
another person and there is reasonable probability that the patient may
carry out the threat, the physician should take reasonable precautions for
the protection of the intended victim, including notification of law
enforcement authorities. (Reaffirmed A-23)
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Abbreviations for House of Delegates report origination:
EC – Executive Committee; BT – Board of Trustees; CPA – Council on
Professional Affairs; JC – Judicial Council; CHS – Community and Health
Services