The obligation of confidentiality for physicians and psychologists in light of the proposed amendments to the Act on Patients’ Rights and the Patient Ombudsman and other acts

Abstract

This study addresses changes in the regulations governing professional confidentiality for doctors and psychologists. Another exception will be added to the existing regulations permitting the disclosure of professional confidentiality. This time, it concerns minor patients over the age of 13. This exception obliges doctors and psychologists to disclose legally defined information to the minor patient’s legal representative. A discussion of these changes and their impact on the relationship between the patient and the provider of services will allow us to assess whether the noble intentions underlying the Act Amending the Act on Patients’ Rights and the Patient Ombudsman, as well as certain other acts, will be fulfilled.