My Medical Alert Systems

One Response to “Regarding the latest school shooting…?”

1. MenifeeManiac on February 27th, 2009 at 12:50 am

   This is a very controversial area because not only is the patient/doctor privilege involved, as to public viewing of the documents, but also to the detrimental effect it could have on the patient viewing the reports.

   In the Workers Compensation arena, it is necessary to submit a specific Health Insurance Portability and Accountabnility Act of 1996 (HIPAA) form, signed by the applicant/patient, in order to obtain specific records in regards to mental health and drug rehabilitation.

   This information cannot be used for other than litigation purposes; and certain diagnostic testing and reports cannot even be shared with the applicant/patient.

   It is possible that in the patient viewing the medical reports; the outcome of the testing, along with the doctor's discussion/analysis could cause further harm to the patient's psyche.

   Thus, in no way should medical records concerning mental health issues should be allowed to be open or available to the public for viewing or sharing.

   I believe that other than suspicion of potentially dangerous behavior, such as harm to others or to himself; or disclosure by the patient that he intends to commit a criminal act; it is not up to the doctor to warn school officials, but up to the parents of the child who has mental health issues.

   The parents of the child are the people who should speak with the principal and the child's teachers, UNDER STRICT CONFIDENTIALITY (sorry so loud; this must be stressed), concerning the child's mental health issues.

   Even when the minor turns 18 years old, this confidentiality cannot be breached, absent exigent circumstances.

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