Let's just say that a woman goes to the doctor to treat her injuries and she tells her physician that they were from when her husband beat her.
The doctor cannot report this to the police?
2007-12-18 05:44:17 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
Yes, the doctor is under legal obligation to report this to the police.
And they will.
And they should.
They'll also do it if they suspect that this is what happened. Even if their patient doesn't say this. Because you can usually tell what happened by the nature of the injury - some things just don't happen they way people tell you they do.
Running into a door in the middle of the night doesn't cause facial fractures. Fists do.
So yes, doctors will reports abuse or suspected abuse both in adults and children.
2007-12-18 05:51:15 · answer #1 · answered by deYoung 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
That may not necessarily true.
When a health care worker identifies domestic abuse they are required to report it, at least in this state, just as a teacher is required to report child abuse, in this state.
Patient confidentiality does not protect the spouse from criminal activity.
Ask this question in the Law Enforcement and Police Section of Politics and Government to see if you can get a better answer.
2007-12-18 05:53:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone in a position of trust HAS to [by law] report anything they believe could harm an individual or somebody else. They will ask you first and they will persuade you to see somebody that might help you, if they feel you are in real bad state and are refusing help then they have to report it anyway.
And yes police can access all data
2007-12-18 06:40:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope this is not the actual situation you are in. If you got beaten you should report it right away. If you beat ur wife than you should just find the highest building and jump.
The doctor can report anything they think is criminal related.
2007-12-18 05:51:04 · answer #4 · answered by pikemasta 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, the doctor can if he feels that someone is in danger or such (like if someone is going to kill themselves, child abuse, etc).
Aside from that, I believe the police would need a warrant to get the information.
2007-12-18 05:50:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The doctors are mandated reporters. I know they have to report suspected child abuse and they should report battery, but not all Drs. Do
2007-12-18 05:51:06 · answer #6 · answered by happygirl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends; some states (such as Colorado and Kentucky) have mandatory reporting laws.
2007-12-18 05:53:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, he can't unless she gives her permission, or unless he can prove she is unable to make a competent decision.
2007-12-18 05:50:23 · answer #8 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋