Ethics of Confidentiality and Privacy

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the ethics of confidentiality and privacy in healthcare.

What is the legal and moral obligation of physicians when a patient discloses harm?

Physicians are legally and morally obligated to report that information.

Why is trust important in physician-patient relationships?

Without confidentiality, trust erodes, leading to patients not sharing crucial health information.

What are the consequences of violating patient confidentiality?

Violation can lead to discrimination, disruption of personal relationships, or public ridicule.

What does the right to privacy entail?

The authority to control who can possess and use information about oneself.

What is the significance of the 1976 case Terasoff v. Regents?

It established the 'duty to warn' that can override confidentiality in cases of potential harm.

How does privacy support personal autonomy according to Rachels?

Privacy allows individuals to control how they are perceived and treated, which supports their autonomy.

What was the Supreme Court's ruling in Griswold v. Connecticut?

The court recognized a constitutional right to privacy, particularly in marital decisions about contraception.

How does HIPAA protect patient privacy?

HIPAA sets standards for the protection of patient health information.

What is the non-consequentialist perspective on privacy?

Privacy is considered a moral right and a violation is wrong regardless of consequences.

What types of information sharing occur in different relationships?

Different relationships require varying levels of information sharing and intimacy.

What ethical issues arise from electronic health records?

Data breaches and unauthorized access can compromise patient privacy and safety.

How does the concept of autonomy relate to privacy violations?

Violations of privacy undermine an individual’s ability to make independent decisions.

What implications does privacy have for informed consent?

Patients should understand how their information will be used and who can access it.

What role does privacy play in maintaining trust in healthcare?

Protecting privacy fosters trust, which is essential for effective healthcare relationships.

How does Rachels define the importance of privacy in relationships?

Privacy allows individuals to regulate what others know about them, helping to manage relationships.

In what context might confidentiality be breached according to ethical principles?

In cases where there is a clear intention to harm oneself or others, confidentiality may be overridden.