A breach of confidentiality is when data or private information is disclosed to a third party without the data owner's consent.
Exceptions to the Duty of Confidentiality Waiver. A person who confides in a professional can waive the protection of professional secrecy. In Case of Danger. Committing a Crime. Infectious Diseases. Inspection and Investigation by Professional Orders. Search for the Truth. Protection of Children.
There is no valid reason for any therapist to simply stop seeing a patient without prior notice and would be considered ``reckless abandonment'' by most licensing boards.
At a minimum, a well-designed informed consent form will address the following information: Risks and benefits of treatment. Fees and payment policies. Confidentiality and its limits. Contact information and communication. Social media policy and general boundaries. Emergency procedures.
Medical records being disclosed to a third party without your consent. An email containing confidential information is sent to the wrong person. An employee discusses their employer's affairs with someone outside of the organisation.
When to Break Confidentiality. There are a few situations that may require a therapist to break confidentiality: If the client may be an immediate danger to themself or another. If the client is endangering another who cannot protect themself, as in the case of a child, a person with a disability, or elder abuse.