Journal Published Online: 01 May 1990
Volume 35, Issue 3

A Proposed Exception to the AIDS Confidentiality Laws for Psychiatric Patients

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The authors offer psychotherapists a proposed exception to strict acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related confidentiality laws. The proposal is based on previously established exceptions to the psychotherapist-patient privilege. The recommended breach of confidentiality applies only to cases that meet all of the following criteria: (1) A patient knows that he or she has a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive blood test and has been informed of AIDS-related safety precautions, (2) the HIV-positive patient has a mental disorder, and (3) it is reasonable to believe that the mental disorder has significantly impaired or may significantly impair the patient's ability and behavior to follow AIDS-related safety precautions.

Author Information

Botello, TE
USC Institute of Psychiatry, Law, and Behavioral Science, Los Angeles, CA
Weinberger, LE
USC Institute of Psychiatry, Law, and Behavioral Science, Los Angeles, CA
Gross, BH
USC Institute of Psychiatry, Law, and Behavioral Science, Los Angeles, CA
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS12871J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12871J