ate doctors required to report a patient taking street drugs?

by Miss Dorothea Zulauf MD 5 min read

As a doctor, are you required to report illegal drug use in patients?

6 hours ago Answer (1 of 6): Absolutely not, and it would be wildly unethical to do so. In order to care for people effectively, doctors need patients to be forthright and honest about subjects which could be embarrassing and/or incriminating including sexual activity, drug … >> Go To The Portal


Your doctor isn't legally allowed to report drug use to the police. The only situations in which doctors can break confidentially is if there's concern about someone seriously harming themselves or others. Our main focus is on your health and how to partner with you to improve your health.Aug 19, 2020

Is what you tell your doctor confidential?

A: Your doctor will keep the details of what you talk about private, or confidential. The only times when your doctor cannot honor your privacy is when someone is hurting you or you are going to hurt yourself or someone else.

What should you not tell your doctor?

The 10 Worst Things Patients Can Say to PhysiciansAnything that is not 100 percent truthful. ... Anything condescending, loud, hostile, or sarcastic. ... Anything related to your health care when we are off the clock. ... Complaining about other doctors. ... Anything that is a huge overreaction.More items...•

Can you get in trouble for telling a doctor about drug use?

No. Your doctor isn't legally allowed to report drug use to the police. The only situations in which doctors can break confidentially is if there's concern about someone seriously harming themselves or others.

What is medical Gaslighting?

Medical gaslighting is when a healthcare provider dismisses your complaints or concerns. They don't seem to take you seriously or blame your symptoms on a vague cause (such as stress). And they may send you home without a proper diagnosis or treatment plan.