Patient confidentiality
The duty to protect a patient's private health information and disclose it only where the law, consent, professional rules, or recognised exceptions allow it.
Definition
Patient confidentiality should be checked against consent forms, record-access requests, information shared, who received it, the reason for disclosure, hospital or practice policies, POPIA and health-record duties, and whether there was a lawful basis or professional justification. Confidentiality issues can also overlap with medical records access, complaints, damages, and professional-conduct proceedings.
Key takeaways
The duty to protect a patient's private health information and disclose it only where the law, consent, professional rules, or recognised exceptions allow it.
Medical Negligence
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Related legal problems
This glossary provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Common situations
Patient confidentiality breach
Medical records disclosure
Health information complaint
Related resources
Resources and guides
Medical Negligence Evidence Pack
Prepare a medical-negligence evidence pack by organising treatment records, consent documents, clinical timeline, harm evidence, expenses, complaints, correspondence, and prescription-risk questions.
Medical NegligenceChecklistMedical Negligence Checklist
Medical Negligence Checklist for preparing documents, facts, dates, and questions connected to medical negligence.
Medical NegligencePreparation PackMedical Negligence Records Pack
Medical Negligence Records Pack for organising facts, dates, documents, and next steps before seeking medical negligence help.
Medical NegligenceFAQs
Patient confidentiality FAQs
What does Patient confidentiality mean?
The duty to protect a patient's private health information and disclose it only where the law, consent, professional rules, or recognised exceptions allow it.
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