Doctor confidentiaility near minors...? Please aid.?
Okay. So I'm 16. And a few years ago I was a cutter. (I've stopped and I'm never doing it again it was really dumb) I havent done it within about 2-3 years, but, I still have scar.
So far I've done a good job of hiding them and stuff, but soon I want to go for a doctors appointment. And I dont want my parents finding out about the scar (we dont have a great relationship and I dont want to create probelms or have them find out because itd be awkward lol).
usually i would just skip the doctors appointment like i hold been for the past couple years, but i necessitate to go so that i can get working papers and a undertaking.. so theres no way out of it this time.
So my questions are:
1) Can a doctor let somebody know my parents about my scars and that I used to cut? Or would that be confidential? (I'm 16=minor and live contained by New York)
2) Is there any good ways to I don`t know cover the scars good when I move about in? (theyre all on both my arms and kinda obvious)
But I on the whole need answers to the first one.
Thank you =)
Well obviously you are not fine because you still cut your wrist. And by law if you hold been causing bodily spoil to yourself the doctor by law must inform your parents. Believe me i have a sister that does. It may be what is best for you.
if your doctor knows that you used to cut your wrists,
they cant legally enlighten your parents. just as if you had come within before and been diagnosed beside a sexually transmitted disease. You should be fine.. Just to let you know there is going to be in the future your parents see your wrists Well obviously you are not fine because you still cut your wrist. And by law if you hold been causing bodily spoil to yourself the doctor by law must inform your parents. Believe me i have a sister that does. It may be what is best for you.
Answers: Under New York Law, doctor patient confidentiality protects both adults and minors, however, doctor merciful confidentiality is not valid if there are signs of abuse, ignore, or suicide attempts. If a doctor deems you cutting yourself as a suicide attempt, he or she may be liable to update your parents or authorities.
If you inform your doctor that you do not want your parents to know, and explain that you have stopped and you are doing better etc she should not go to your parents.