Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

Information received from the patient can be shared without consent to:

1. Police

2. Husband/wife

3. Employer if he asks for it

4. Court if they ask for it

The correct answer is: Court if they ask for it

When considering the sharing of patient information without consent, the context of legal obligations is crucial. The correct answer highlights that information can be disclosed to a court if there is a demand from the judiciary through a subpoena or court order. Courts have the authority to request patient records as part of legal proceedings, and healthcare providers are obliged to comply, thereby allowing for the exchange of necessary information to fulfill legal requirements. This legal framework is grounded in the principle that the duty to comply with court orders supersedes the typical confidentiality rules that protect patient information. In cases such as criminal investigations, civil lawsuits, or other legal matters where medical records might be pertinent, the court might require such information to ensure that justice is served or to protect rights under the law. In contrast, sharing information with the police, family members, or employers generally necessitates either the patient's consent or a strong justification outlining the need for disclosure, which is not typically present. Police may request information during investigations, but without a legal mandate, a healthcare provider would typically not share that information. Similarly, sharing with a spouse or an employer usually requires explicit consent from the patient, as both situations do not automatically justify breaching confidentiality. In summary, the ability to share information without consent hinges on the