I based my calling on safety of the children, especially knowing this father had been physically abusive to the mother in the past. However, I had no direct evidence that the children had been abused. I also chose to report to the police for immediate action, as our poor DCYF is so overworked/understaffed that they would have taken forever to assess.... Walter Hoerman MD Lilac City Pediatrics Rochester, NH www.lilaccity.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Vicki L Soloniuk <> To: Pedtalk <> Sent: Saturday, October 09, 1999 6:59 AM Subject: Re: Confidentiality question... > > Certainly a breech of confidentiality. However, this can be a difficult > position. If you feel that the kids are at risk due to the presence of > this father (abuse if he is violent, drug exposure, whatever), then you > are mandated to report. At that point, it is a judgment call. I might > very well have done what you did. > > Vicki > > Gary Mirkin wrote: > > > > Walter A Hoerman wrote: > > > > > Is calling the police after the visit a breach of confidentiality? > > > > Seems like a breach to me. I think I would have consulted with my lawyer or > > medical society attorney before proceeding. > > > > -- > > Gary M. on LI > > Clinton 8/17/98 GJ-59: "depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is" > > http://www.forbes2000.com/cgi-bin/recruit/rec_redeem.cgi?memberid=476488698 > > group. > group. > >