Does anybody know what the privacy act is for doctor to patient relationships in new york?
bbylove asked:
My little sister, who is now 17 just got a tattoo, i have no idea how, but if our parents found out, she would be in so much trouble. Which is fine with me because she did something stupid, but I was wondering if anybody knows the privacy rights that she has when she gets a check up at the doctors because they will obviously see it. If she tells the doctor not to tell about the tattoo will they not tell or do they have to because it is illegal for any person under 18 to be tattooed?
Joseph
My little sister, who is now 17 just got a tattoo, i have no idea how, but if our parents found out, she would be in so much trouble. Which is fine with me because she did something stupid, but I was wondering if anybody knows the privacy rights that she has when she gets a check up at the doctors because they will obviously see it. If she tells the doctor not to tell about the tattoo will they not tell or do they have to because it is illegal for any person under 18 to be tattooed?
Joseph
October 18th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I’m sure there are some state privacy statutes for your state, but there is also federal privacy protection (HIPPA).
The doctor is also governed by a code of ethics that should keep him from disclosing medical information as well.
The illegality of the tattoo should not be a pertinent factor, as he is a doctor, providing medical treatment and not a “cop” with a responsiblity for diming out his patients.
The doctor should be advised not to disclose the matter to the parents and explain why. He will probably respect that, ethics and law notwithstanding. The only exception I can imagine is if he believes her health/safety are at risk…which it does not sound like is happening.
Typically, the doctor has no duty to disclose anything illegal short of gunshot wounds and child sexual assault or child abuse. Beyond that…should be good to go, but inform the doctor so he doesn’t overlook her desire to keep it private.