The parents of a 17-year-old who is receiving state-funded substance abuse treatment have asked the provider for information about their child. What is the correct action by the health care provider?
A) Refuse the request pursuant to the provision of the common-law duty to disclose.
B) Refuse the request as it is likely to interfere with the treatment plan.
C) Release the information immediately as parents always can receive information on minor children.
D) Release information only if the patient has signed consent to do so.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rationale 1: The common-law duty to disclose recognizes the duty to disclose medical information in limited circumstances related to public safety.
Rationale 2: Interference with the treatment plan is not the primary concern.
Rationale 3: It is not true that parents can always receive information on minor children.
Rationale 4: A minor must always sign consent for information about substance abuse to be released, even to a parent.

The Parents of a 17-Year-Old Who Is Receiving State-Funded Substance