What does the GMC say about confidentiality?
confidentiality is central to this. Patients may avoid seeking medical help, or may under-report symptoms, if they think their personal information will be disclosed2 by doctors without consent, or without the chance to have some control over the timing or amount of information shared.
When can confidentiality be broken GMC?
Breaking confidentiality is done when it is in the best interest of the patient or public, required by law or if the patient gives their consent to the disclosure. Patient consent to disclosure of personal information is not necessary when there is a requirement by law or if it is in the public interest.
Can you sue GMC?
The High Court has confirmed that a doctor who makes a complaint to the GMC against another doctor cannot be sued for defamation, libel or slander. While the case concerned a complaint made by a fellow doctor, the immunity will cover any complainant, including patients and members of the public.
When can you disclose information without consent?
There are a few scenarios where you can disclose PHI without patient consent: coroner’s investigations, court litigation, reporting communicable diseases to a public health department, and reporting gunshot and knife wounds.
What are the limits of doctor patient confidentiality?
He or she cannot divulge any medical information about the patient to third persons without the patient’s consent, though there are some exceptions (e.g. issues relating to health insurance, if confidential information is at issue in a lawsuit, or if a patient or client plans to cause immediate harm to others).
What happens if confidentiality is broken?
As an employee, the consequences of breaking confidentiality agreements could lead to termination of employment. In more serious cases, they can even face a civil lawsuit, if a third party involved decides to press charges for the implications experienced from the breach.
When can confidentiality be broken?
A breach of confidentiality occurs when a patient’s private information is disclosed to a third party without their consent. There are limited exceptions to this, including disclosures to state health officials and court orders requiring medical records to be produced.
Can you sue a hospital for defamation of character?
Yes. go for it. However, it is called a malpractice case, because the first hospital, through its rocket scientists, misdiagnosed your condition, or failed to diagnose it.