When do Individual morals supersede professional expectations [elaboration within...]?
Asked by
jfos (
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March 8th, 2010
I know that psychiatrists and psychological professionals, as well as lawyers, have a certain responsibilty to keep the information their clients share confidential. If there were a client speaking of something harmful, such as a planned attack on citizens, etc., is it acceptable/legal for the professional to notify authorities?
Would the professional be at fault here, legally? Of course it’s the “right” thing to do, but is it? Can you think of an example when this would be acceptable and when it wouldn’t be?
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9 Answers
“is it acceptable/legal for the professional to notify authorities?’
Yes and it is the law.
These people must disclose if they believe a person is a danger to themselves or others.
I believe they are supposed to disclose this info…at the top of their lungs,in a screaming, shrill, panic-filled voice.that’s how you know it’s no bs ;)
As I understand it, @tinyfaery is correct, word for word. If you tell your therapist you’re abusing your children, the therapist is legally obligated to notify the authorities. If you tell your lawyer about a crime you’re planning to commit, s/he has to call the cops.
It’s called “duty to warn.” If any health care professional (not just a psychiatrist or psychologist) has information about a patient’s causing imminent harm to himself or others, that professional is obligated to take action. However, the rub is in the word “imminent.” If someone says, “I’m so mad at so-and-so that I could beat him up”, is that considered an imminent threat? Most people would say no, but it’s up for interpretation.
Attorney’s and accountants are “expected” to notify the Government authorities under the Gatekeepers Initiative. The initiative threatens professionals with criminal penalties for failing to adhere to emerging standards of anti-money laundering (AML). In fact the Patriot act expanded this “role” by requiring mortgage companies, pawnbrokers, used car dealerships, and many other businesses to keep tabs on customers and report “unusual” activity to the federal government.
I believe all professional codes of ethics require reported statements in which one plans to bring harm to another to be shared with authorities. That is not the case with admissions of guilt to a crime.
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