Should the University Hospitalinform the Tarasoffs?No,shouldkeepconfidential patientsinformationYes, should breach confidentiality inspecialcases
Should the University Hospital inform the Tarasoffs? • No, should keep confidential patients’ information • Yes, should breach confidentiality in special cases
University ofTatiana's parentsCaliforniaUniversity HospitaUniversityPoliceDr.PowelsonTatiana TarasoffDr.MoorePoddar
Tatiana’s parents Dr. Moore Tatiana Tarasoff Dr. Powelson University Police Poddar University Hospital University of California
What is your view?KeepBreachconfidentiality?confidentiality?Discuss
What is your view? • Keep confidentiality? • Breach confidentiality?
Argument for maintainingconfidentialityEncourages people to seek psychiatrichelp;if other people know it >stigmatizationTheguaranteeof confidentiality isessential in elicitingthefulldisclosurenecessaryfor effective treatmentContinued trust inhispsychiatristisneededfor successful treatment
Argument for maintaining confidentiality • Encourages people to seek psychiatric help; if other people know it →stigmatization • The guarantee of confidentiality is essential in eliciting the full disclosure necessary for effective treatment • Continued trust in his psychiatrist is needed for successful treatment
Argument for breachingconfidentialityAtherapist's dualobligations Duty to the patient andduty to the patient'sintendedvictimShouldweighthesetwoduties
Argument for breaching confidentiality • A therapist’s dual obligations • Duty to the patient and duty to the patient’s intended victim • Should weigh these two duties