National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

If your patient is mentally impaired, can you give treatment information to family members?

1. Yes, always

2. No, under any circumstances

3. Yes, if the family member is the patient’s legal guardian

4. Only with the patient’s consent

The correct answer is: Yes, if the family member is the patient’s legal guardian

In circumstances where a patient is mentally impaired, sharing treatment information with family members can generally be permissible if the family member serves as the legal guardian of the patient. This is primarily due to the legal authority granted to guardians, which includes the ability to make decisions on behalf of the patient. Legal guardians are often responsible for the care and treatment of their wards, and as such, they may need access to important health information to make informed decisions about the patient’s care. In situations where the family member is not the legal guardian, general principles of confidentiality and patient privacy would typically require obtaining consent from the patient before sharing any treatment details. Mental impairment may complicate this process, highlighting the importance of understanding legal nuances regarding patient rights and family roles in medical decision-making.