Limits of Confidentiality
There are circumstances where, according to federal and state laws, I am required to disclose information without your authorization. These include:
1. If a patient communicates a threat, or I believe the patient presents an imminent and substantial risk of harm to an identifiable victim, I am legally
obligated to take steps to protect. These steps include disclosing the risk to law enforcement, warning the person who is being identified as being in
potentially imminent harm, and, in cases of a minor, disclosing the risk to parents.
2. If I believe a patient presents a threat of imminent serious harm to him/herself, I may be required to take protective actions. These actions may include
contacting law enforcement or others who can assist in protecting the patient and seeking hospitalization for the patient.
3. If I have reasonable cause to believe a vulnerable adult has been subject to abuse, neglect or exploitation and I believe the disclosure is necessary to
prevent serious harm to the individual or other potential victims, I may report it to the county adult protective services.
4. If I have reason to believe that a child has been subjected to physical or sexual abuse or neglect, I am required to report it to the NJ Division of
Child and Protective Services.
5. If you file a worker's compensation claim or are involved in a court proceeding, I may be obligated, by law, to disclose protected information.
6. If a government agency or agency hired by your insurance carrier is reviewing or investigating potential health care oversight or need data for research,
I may be required to provide your PHI to that agency without your authorization.
