Which is a confidentiality exception physicians are allowed or required to disclose without patient consent?

• A. Reporting abuse
• B. Discussing patient with family without consent
• C. Publishing in social media
• D. Sharing with employer as routine

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality has important limits. While doctors must protect patient information, there are legal and ethical exceptions that override consent. A key exception is reporting abuse. Many jurisdictions require physicians to report suspected child, elder, or dependent abuse to the appropriate authorities even without the patient’s consent. This duty exists to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent further harm, and it is a legal requirement or strong professional obligation, not optional.

By comparison, discussing a patient with family without consent, publishing content on social media, or sharing information with an employer as routine would violate confidentiality and is not permitted unless the patient has given explicit consent or there’s another lawful basis for disclosure.