patient confidentiality

Some ethicists and consumer watchdog groups worry that the newly revised federal rules governing medical research don't go far enough to protect the rights and privacy of patients.

Scientists Needn't Get A Patient's Consent To Study Blood Or DNA

7:23pm January 18, 2017

by Rob Stein

In its update of ethics rules aimed at protecting patients, the Obama administration decided against a provision that scientists said would hinder research. Consumer advocates aren't happy.

How do you stay on the family health plan without your parents finding out about your health issues?

States Offer Privacy Protection For Young Adults On Parents' Health Plan

6:15pm June 28, 2016

by Michelle Andrews

When children up to the age of 26 can stay on the family health insurance plan, it can be difficult for them to keep their medical information private from Mom and Dad.

Do the benefits of wider data sharing outweigh the risks from a breach involving treatment for substance use?

Health & Safety

Feds' Plan To Ease Privacy Rules On Addiction Treatment Spurs Debate

3:40pm March 22, 2016

by Michelle Andrews

Current guidelines require patients to specify who gets information about their care. But advocates of change say that restriction is out of step with the world of electronic medical records.

VA addiction therapist Brandon Coleman, now on administrative leave, testified about widespread problems with privacy breaches before the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs in September.

Privacy Violations Rising At Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities

9:37am December 30, 2015

Deceased veterans' documents were sent to the wrong widows. VA workers snooped on patients who had committed suicide. And whistleblowers contend the VA violated their medical privacy.

Will adult children seek care if their parents can find out about it?

Health & Safety

When Keeping A Secret Trumps The Need For Care

11:46am April 16, 2015

by Maanvi Singh

Young adults covered by their parents' health plans may balk at getting treatment for mental health or other conditions they would rather not have show up on family insurance statements.