Which principle should guide confidentiality with minors in a primary care setting?

Which principle should guide confidentiality with minors in a primary care setting?

• A. Confidentiality should never be shared with parents.
• B. Confidentiality is waived if the minor requests.
• C. Confidentiality is maintained unless there is risk to the health of the child or others.
• D. Confidentiality should be broken if the minor discusses contraception.

Answer: (C)

Confidentiality with minors is essential to help them speak honestly and obtain appropriate care. The guiding rule is to maintain confidentiality in most situations, but to disclose if there is a risk to the health or safety of the child or others. This safety-based exception protects the patient and aligns with legal and professional duties to act in cases of harm, abuse, or threats. For example, if a teen reveals suicidal thoughts, a plan to harm someone, or ongoing abuse, disclosure to the appropriate parties is required. Other scenarios, like involving parents or a minor’s request to waive confidentiality, aren’t blanket triggers to break privacy, and discussions about contraception are typically kept confidential unless there's a specific safety or legal reason to disclose.

Confidentiality with minors is essential to help them speak honestly and obtain appropriate care. The guiding rule is to maintain confidentiality in most situations, but to disclose if there is a risk to the health or safety of the child or others. This safety-based exception protects the patient and aligns with legal and professional duties to act in cases of harm, abuse, or threats. For example, if a teen reveals suicidal thoughts, a plan to harm someone, or ongoing abuse, disclosure to the appropriate parties is required. Other scenarios, like involving parents or a minor’s request to waive confidentiality, aren’t blanket triggers to break privacy, and discussions about contraception are typically kept confidential unless there's a specific safety or legal reason to disclose.