Confidentiality
There are two situations where Dr. Hines is obligated to break confidentiality. If you are in danger of seriously harming yourself, or putting yourself in a situation where you may be seriously harmed, or when you are in danger of harming someone else, it is the psychiatrist's responsibility to do all possible to prevent this from happening.
This includes contacting your spouse, significant other, family, your therapist or other physician, and occasionally calling 911. Dr. Hines tries to avoid this if at all possible. When it is necessary, she will let you know in advance, unless this will increase the likelihood of harm.
She attempt to use all discretion possible, and it is rarely necessary. If you are confused and in danger of harm, or of harming others, in the opinion of Dr. Hines, she will do what she beleives is neccesary to prevent this harm.
It is her preference to err in the direction of
over-reacting, rather than to lose one of her patients to suicide, or allow them
to engage in actions with deadly consequences.
Legally Dr. Hines may also be required to release information pertinent to child
custody decisions.
Most people with health insurance have signed a waiver of confidentiality when
they obtained the insurance. Insurance companies will often use this waiver to
try to obtain a full copy of your chart. Dr. Hines policy on this is to contact
you first before releasing any information, even though you may have signed the
release. Often people do not remember that they have signed such a release.