Question

You have been treating Calvin, age 11, for uncooperative and aggressive behavior at school and poor academic performance. You receive a letter from the school principal requesting a copy of Calvin's treatment records, and the request includes a signed release from the boy's parents. You should:

Answer 1

When handling a request for an 11-year-old patient's treatment records by a school principal with a signed parental release, ensure the release complies with legal requirements like HIPAA, and if so, provide the records as requested. Communication with the patient and parents about the release is good practice for maintaining trust.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you are treating Calvin, an 11-year-old patient, for uncooperative and aggressive behavior and his academic issues, and you receive a legally valid request from the school principal for treatment records, you should comply with the request as long as the parents have provided a signed release.

It is essential to review the release form to ensure that it complies with both state and federal regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and that it is not overly broad. If it meets these conditions, you can then provide the information requested by the school principal. However, it is also considered good practice to discuss the release of records with the patient and his parents to maintain trust and ensure that they understand the implications of sharing medical information with the school.

Answer 2

Comply with the request for Calvin's treatment records after confirming that the parents' signed release specifies what can be shared, and ensure adherence to relevant health information privacy laws.

Step-by-step explanation:

You are facing an ethical dilemma related to confidentiality and information sharing in a health context, which involves a minor.

Given that you have received a signed release from the boy's parents, the appropriate action would be to comply with the request and provide a copy of Calvin's treatment records. However, before doing so, ensure that the release form adequately specifies what information can be shared and the purpose for the disclosure.

You must also consider any applicable laws and regulations regarding the privacy of health information, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. It is vital to protect the rights and well-being of your patient, Calvin while abiding by professional ethical standards and the legal requirements surrounding confidentiality.