AMA J Ethics. 2018 Jan 1;20(1):10-18. doi: 10.1001/journalofethics.2018.20.1.peer2-1801.

Does Volk v DeMeerleer Conflict with the AMA Code of Medical Ethics on Breaching Patient Confidentiality to Protect Third Parties?

Piel JL1, Opara R2.

Author information

1

An assistant professor and an associate residency director in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle, and a staff psychiatrist at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.

2

A psychiatrist at Valley Medical Center in Renton, Washington.

Abstract

A recent Washington State case revisits the obligation of mental health clinicians to protect third parties from the violent acts of their patients. Although the case of Volk v DeMeerleer raises multiple legal, ethical, and policy issues, this article will focus on a potential ethical conflict between the case law and professional guidelines, namely the American Medical Association's Code of Medical Ethics.