Final answer:
From an ethical standpoint, the patient's privacy rights are more important than the sexual partner's right to know about a sexually transmitted disease. When a husband calls for information about his wife who is in treatment, the therapist should refuse to provide any information without the wife's permission. When dealing with minors, physicians should consider the right to privacy and confidentiality.
Step-by-step explanation:
From an ethical standpoint, the patient's privacy rights are more important than the sexual partner's right to know about a sexually transmitted disease. The rules regarding patient privacy are universal and should be followed regardless of the severity of the disease.
If a therapist receives a call from a husband asking for information about his wife who is in treatment, the therapist should follow the principle of preserving confidentiality. The therapist should refuse to provide any information without the wife's permission. It would be a violation of HIPAA rules to contact the husband or the wife's sexual partner without her consent.
When dealing with minors, physicians should consider the right to privacy and confidentiality. If an adolescent wants confidentiality about their sexual behavior or health, parents should not always be told. The physician should handle notifying a sexual partner based on the adolescent's wishes and consent.