Law Commons^™

Hey Doc, Can You Keep A Secret - An Ohio Physician's Right To Warn Third Parties That They May Be At Risk Of Contracting Hiv, Mark Wiseman

Journal of Law and Health

This note will seek to determine if granting a physician the right to warn third parties at risk is the appropriate solution to the above scenario and others like it. Part I will supply a background on the virus that causes AIDS. Part II will review possible legal justification for this breach of the confidential doctor/patient relationship. Part III discusses why there is a need to maintain strict confidentiality of AIDS-related information. Finally, Part IV will discuss alternatives to granting physicians the right to warn.