Group 4 Project: Medicine and the Law
The relaxation of the rules on confidentiality- Is it justifiable ?
???
Children
Capacity
Mental Health Act 2007
Age of Legal Capacity (Scotland) Act 1991
s.2 (4)
s.1(a)
Abortions
R. (on applidcation of Axon) v. Secretary of Health 2006
Moth sought review of 2004 document, wanted disclosure
Women under 16 can seek an abortion without parental consent
If they meet Fraser guidelines
Contraception
2004 Department of Health document that gives guidance on giving advice and treatment to under 16s
Gillick v West Norfol Area Health Authority (1985)
Lord Fraser Guidelines
Child abuse
Confidence can be breached if there is evidence patient is abusing a child
Subtopic
M and N (Minors), Re
Disclosure to sexual partner
Position if person at risk is also a patient of the Dr. (Special relationship)
Australia (PD v Harvey and Chen) Disclosing as last resort
US and Canada- Statutory duty to inform person at risk
No decison in the UK
General Medical Council and Institute of Medical Ethics (Guidance)
Disclosure of infected health worker( X v Y and H v Associated Newspapers Limited)
Heath Authority Duty to Report (Aids Control Act 1987)
Confidentiality and the deceased
Guidance from Genreral Medical Council
General Duty continues after death
Exceptions to Confidence
Statutory
Public Interest
Press Freedom
Medical Research
Preventing or detecting crime
Family (Child Protection)
HIV
Consent
Arguments in favour/against confidentiality?
Against
May protect others in society
May be better for the protection of the patient
favour
Builds up trust
Aids an effective health care system
Best medical care can be given because patient will be honest
Duty of Confidence
Hippocratic Oath
Not a single statute or common law body of laws governing confidentiality
Patients may be unwilling to disclose
Common Law Duty