Balancing a patient’s right to privacy with the information needs of family and others
Families and friends play a vital role in the care and support of people with serious mental illness. However, caregivers often complain that treating teams do not adequately inform them of their loved one’s condition and management plan. Failure or refusal to disclose such information can be very distressing for those offering support and, in circumstances where people with mental illness behave in threatening, violent or self-destructive ways, it can have serious repercussions.1
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
- 1. Tarasoff v Regents of the University of California 551 P.2d 334 (Cal 1976).
- 2. Kerridge I, Lowe M, Stewart C. Ethics and law for the health professions. 4th ed. Sydney: Federation Press, 2013.
- 3. W v Edgell [1990] 1 All ER 835.
- 4. Mental Health Act 2009 (SA) s 106(2)(e).
- 5. Mental Health and Related Services Act 1998 (NT) s 91(2)(h).
- 6. Mental Health Act 1986 (Vic) s 120A(3)(ca).
- 7. Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW) ss 75, 78.
No relevant disclosures.