Patient Confidentiality: The Legal Framework, Ethics and Code of Conduct

Overview

Course Description

Medical information, or records (physical or digital) of a patient/client is handled by all health professionals in one way or the other. The type, nature, and detail of such information vary depending on what the health professional is required to do for the patient/client. This means that the history, lab tests, doctors' notes, medicines prescribed, procedures to be performed, etc. to the patient; are all listed in the patient records or any piece of information that may come into the hands of the relevant health professional. The patient record is also where other members of the health care team may refer for their plan of action and management of the patient/client.

These records; regardless of their nature, constitute a legal document. They can be used as a form of evidence when malpractice, negligence, or related misconduct is suspected.

This short course will give you the opportunity to get a clear and unambiguous understanding of the do’s and don’ts, the legal framework, ethics, and code of conduct with regards to patient confidentiality. Familiarizing yourself with these will save you a lot of legal and administrative troubles.

What you will learn

1. Description of what the duty of confidentiality requires
2. Description of when confidentiality is breached
3. Ascertaining the appropriateness and inappropriateness of disclosures
4. Legal exceptions