CM PRACTICE EXERCISE - Ethics Exercises

The hypothetical practice situations that follow are designed to stimulate thinking on the issue of confidentiality. Each situation is followed by a multiple-choice list of possible responses you might make. Choose the response that you consider the best and briefly explain (a sentence or two) why you think it is the best option.

1. Paula is a 17-year-old client in the daytime partial hospitalization program. Her mother phoned and requested to know Paula's psychiatric diagnosis so that she could inform the family's physician who is treating Paula for diabetes. You should:

• Advise the mother of the diagnosis and the name of the psychiatrist who made the diagnosis.
• Call the family physician directly and advise him of the diagnosis.
• Ask Paula to sign a release of information form giving consent for the physician and the mother to be advised of her diagnosis.
• Refuse to release the information at all.

2. Kelly requests a copy of his current treatment plan. You should:

• Have Kelly put the request in writing and discuss the issue with the treatment team.
• Make a copy of the current treatment plan and give it to Kelly.
• Discuss the treatment plan with Kelly and then see that he has a copy.
• Refer Kelly to the attending psychiatric physician.