Question

Police contact your practice asking for details of a patient who was seen with a stab wound to the thigh 2 days ago. They say they are investigating a serious violent offence and believe your patient may be a victim and a witness. The patient cannot currently be contacted for consent. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Disclose relevant information if, in your judgement, failure to do so may expose others to a risk of serious harm

Answer

Refuse to disclose any information under all circumstances

Answer

Disclose the entire medical record without further consideration

Answer

Give only non-clinical demographic details such as name and address

Answer

Wait until the patient next attends and ask them whether you can disclose the information

Practice question