Clark is currently enrolled in treatment, and you are his case manager. He asks you if he may read his medical record. You should:
a. Ask Clark to put the request in writing, and assist Clark in completing the written request if he seems to have limited skills in reading and writing.
b. Present Clark’s request to Clark’s treatment team.
c. If the treatment team concludes that it will not harm Clark to review his record, allow Clark to read it in the presence of a therapist (after deleting information from sources that asked to remain anonymous).
d. Decide with the treatment team who will assist Clark in reading and understanding his record. Then follow through by allowing Clark to review his record with that person.
The hypothetical practice situations that follow are designed to stimulate thinking and discussion on the issue of confidentiality. Each situation is followed by a multiple-choice list of possible responses you might make. Choose the responses that you consider the best. In some cases you might want to use more than one of the responses listed. Others may choose a different answer. Discuss with your fellow students the different possibilities and what might present the best outcome for the client.
