Review Question - QID 100011

If a patient is deemed to have capacity, he or she can consent for treatments or procedures without needing to inform or gain consent from their spouse (or any other adult). This is true even for procedures that will affect fertility.

While a physician may encourage a patient to discuss a procedure that will affect the patient's significant other, such as a vasectomy, with that individual, the decision is ultimately the patient's. The physician may not share information with the patient's spouse without patient consent.

Omole et al. discuss the challenge of interacting with patients' family members during office visits. It is important to create a working relationship with patients and their family members, particularly as family members can be a valuable source of health information. However, physicians must use caution to prevent a breach of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Physicians may share relevant health information with a family member only if the patient agrees, or does not object, to disclosure.

Main et al. reminds physicians to preserve balance in the concerns addressed among patients and their family members in order to maintain an alliance formed among patient, physician, and family members.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1: While the physician may encourage a patient to communicate with their family members, it would not be appropriate to insist that the patient share their personal health information with another person.
Answer 2: The principle of confidentiality restricts physicians from disclosing patient information to others without the patient's permission, including spouses.
Answer 4: If the patient has capacity to consent for himself, having not discussed the procedure with his wife is not a reason to withhold treatment.
Answer 5: The patient can consent for the procedure independently. The physician does not need to get consent from the patient's wife.