Dr. Bob is legally obligated to respect patient doctor confidentiality. It is the patient’s rights to have her information communicated how she chooses. Dr. Bob cannot legally discuss or relay any information about Paula to anyone without her consent; it would be a violation of HIPAA. No, my answer would not be different regardless of threat of violence or not. However, if Dr. Bob feels there are deeper issues he should refer the patient to a Counselor.
