Is it every justifiable to breach confidentiality?

Is it ever justifiable to breach patient confidentiality? Yes. Although these instances are few, there are some situations in which disclosure may be required:

1. To prevent serious harm or death to the person or a third party (CNA, 2002).

2. Public Health & Safety ie: communicable diseases

3. Child Protection legislation

4. Court order or legal obligation to disclose (CNA, 2002).

5. Emergencies

Think of your own practice setting and think of a situation that would fall under one of the above categories.