Legal Question in Health Care Law in Illinois

Disclosure of a Patient's Medical Diagnosis

Hello,

I am a yoga teacher at a substance abuse recovery center. I recently discovered that one of the [former] patient's in the recovery program is HIV+ and nobody on staff informed me of his condition. Had I been informed, I would have kept his HIV+ status confidential. Isn't is my legal right to know his (and others') medical conditions as a provider of service related to their recovery? Furthermore, since I work with the patients in a physical manner, wouldn't the staff have to keep me abreast of the patients' medical status - regardless of the condition?

Please advise as I am uncertain about this matter and I want to be fully aware of my rights so that I may act appropriately.

Thank you.


Asked on 12/26/06, 6:31 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Zedrick Braden III Ainsworth & Associates PC

Re: Disclosure of a Patient's Medical Diagnosis

Hello. As a service provider you have

a right to know about a patient's condition for your own protection. I would complain to the administrator and ask that your employment contract or any related document be supplemented with a statement that the institution would notify you in writing of any potential health hazard to you. Of course the law does safeguard the privacy of patients, but in this instance I believe you have a right to know. I will be happy to discuss this with you further in more detail.

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Answered on 12/26/06, 6:49 pm


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