Genetic Risks and Doctors ’ Disclosure Obligations — Revisiting the Duty of Confidentiality

This article examines whether disclosure obligations on doctors should be expanded to encompass an obligation to disclose genetic risk to family members, and whether the exceptions to the duty of confidentiality should recognise genetic risk as potential harm. With recognition of the competing rights, the article considers the implications of recent case law in the United Kingdom, indicating a willingness to extend the duty of disclosure. This article argues that there is a case to be made for expanding disclosure obligations on doctors in certain circumstances.
Source: European Journal of Health Law - Category: Medical Law Authors: Source Type: research