How do you balance confidentiality with safety concerns?

• A. Maintain privacy unless there is a clear safety risk, using risk assessment to determine necessary disclosures.
• B. Disclose all information to anyone who asks.
• C. Never disclose anything under any circumstance.
• D. Disclosures must be approved by legal counsel.

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality stays as the default, but safety concerns require action. When there are potential risks, you conduct a risk assessment to determine whether and what to disclose. If there is a clear risk of harm to self or others, disclose only what is necessary to prevent that harm and share it with people who need to know (such as the treatment team, a guardian, or emergency responders), in line with laws and agency policies. Aim for the minimum information needed, obtain consent when feasible, and document the assessment, rationale, and disclosures. If unsure, seek supervision and follow mandated reporting requirements or duty-to-warn/protect obligations as applicable. This balances privacy with safety by acting on risk in a measured, legally informed way.