Confidentiality of medical records

Abstract

Owing to the lack of jurisprudence and legislation in this matter of confidentiality of records, there is uncertainty as to the precise conduct which should be followed by health care providers. It is advisable, therefore, for health care institutions to establish firm guidelines for the use of staff in divulging information from medical records. As long as institutions and health care personnel view medical records as being strictly confidential to be divulged only in special and very limited circumstances, legal problems will be avoided.