Patient Confidentiality Case Study

The major theme of this case study is the patient’s confidentiality. The ethical justifications for protecting confidentially are based on the principle of autonomy and privacy of patient; physicians are responsible to ensure that patient’s confidential information is not improperly disclosed to third parties. However, in some situations, this confidential information may be revealed to the appropriate person when the physician is aware that lacking of information will threaten some identifiable persons (Jonsen, Siegler, &Winslalde, 2010). Confidentiality is not only an ethical obligation; it is also mandated by state and federal law. The federal regulation implanted the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which creates a set of requirements and restrictions for the handling of protected health information.
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Medical (or Healthcare) Indications: Martinez has a complicated pregnancy; the ultrasound examination showed that she has Placenta Previa; this abnormally invasive placenta is the primary cause of obstetric hemorrhage and postpartum hysterectomy, causing a significant maternal and fetal morbidity and even mortality (Radmila, Ljiljana, Uroš, Z& Tijana, 2014). That is beside, the loop of umbilicus cord was observed around the fetes neck. Therefore, the patient has a critical medical problem and needs a continuing health care. The treatment goal is to monitor the fetal heart rate for closer observation, and to help her to safely deliver her baby. In medicine, ethical principal of beneficence and nonmaleficence is assessed by benefits to risk ratio; the benefits to risk ratio considers how much risk is justified by the anticipated benefit. In this case study, the treatment should be continued to the patient to ensure the safety of both the mother and her fetes, while departing the patient before she can complete her care, could harm the mother and her baby.
3. Patient (or Client)