Medical Confidentiality
/ˈmɛdɪkəl ˌkɒnfɪˌdɛnʃɪˈælɪti/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal and ethical duty of healthcare professionals to protect personal patient information from unauthorized disclosure.
The doctor breached medical confidentiality by sharing the patient's records without consent.
- (n.) A principle underpinning medico-legal relationships that supports trust between patients and medical practitioners.
Medical confidentiality ensures patients feel secure in divulging sensitive information during treatment.
Forms
- medical confidentiality
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Medical confidentiality is foundational in health law, balancing patient privacy with legal exceptions like mandatory reporting.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.