Confidentiality of patient’s information is critical. It has been a core of relationships between a client and practitioner for many years. However, some situations allow private information to be revealed to prevent any acts of violence, crime, abuse and others. Health professionals should not disclose private information that was told to them by patients in most cases. Nevertheless, some exceptions are stated in the law of the state.
According to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 71.05.120, it is health care practitioner’s duty to warn potential victims about a threat to their well-being, and take necessary measures to prevent such incidents from happening. Also, there are situations when practitioners have civil or criminal liability to make reports. This is a great legislative decision because it may prevent numerous cases of abuse or criminal behavior.
Based on RCW 26.44.030, any practitioner should make reports if he or she believes that the child has been abused based on received information. This law is crucial because acts of violence against children should always be stopped and punished. Minors are particularly vulnerable to neglect because they are at an early stage of their lives, and it may cause long term consequences such as a damaged psyche. It is extremely necessary that there are no limitations that would prevent such reports from being made.
According to RCW 74.34.035, it should be reported if an individual has a suspicion of elderly abuse of any kind. However, information about minor cases of abuse that cause no real harm should not be disclosed. This law is necessary because exploitation of vulnerable individuals should be severely punished. It is a responsibility of the government and society to protect adults that are not capable of doing it themselves and treat them with respect.
Based on RCW 70.02.220, information about sexually transmitted diseases should be kept secret most of the time. Except, it can be told to health service workers, law enforcement officers, health providers, public health officers and other individuals for whom this knowledge is necessary. It is especially important that the human immunodeficiency virus status can be reported to a person that may acquire this kind of disease from the client of the practitioner.
RCW 70.02.230 lists cases in which the information that was obtained during therapy sessions can be disclosed by mental health professionals. Any information related to past criminal behavior of a client may not be used as evidence in the court in most cases. This law is well structured, and it takes into account all kinds of situations. Information about crimes or terrorism should always be revealed. However, it is not enough to build a case against a client.
According to RCW 70.02.240, information that was told by minors can be reported by mental health professionals to other practitioners, to the courts, law enforcement officers, law enforcement agencies and others that may deem this information as necessary. It is paramount that this law lists individuals and organizations that practitioners may report to. Safety and well-being of children are crucial, and needed information should be disclosed to make sure they are guaranteed.
In conclusion, RCW contains a broad range of laws that are related to privacy of clients of mental health professionals. Information must stay confident most of the time.
However, it is necessary that the law lists possible exceptions.