NP/patient privilege?

[nursetim, NP]

Do we have protected status in regards confidentiality between patient and NP like the MD's?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Hi there....could you elaborate?

[RiskManager]

Generally speaking, yes. Usually the patient-provider confidentiality privilege is identical to that of a physician and is subject to the same exceptions to confidentiality, such as mandatory reporting of child or vulnerable adult abuse, etc. You should review your specific state statutes to double-check.

[bethymaester]

I would think it's the same as a physician and based on state laws. I may be wrong but my memory is that it's more based on the type of care provided than necessarily the credentials (obviously it has to be in your scope). For example, psychotherapist-patient confidentiality applies to anyone licensed to provide that kind of mental health care whether or not they are a psychologist.

[RiskManager]

As an example, here are the nurse privilege laws in Washington state:

RCW 5.62.020: Registered nurse — Privileged communications — Exceptions.

RCW 5.62.030: Nurse-patient privilege subject to limitations and exemptions of physician-patient privilege.

And here is the broader (attorney, physician, psychologist, etc.) privilege law:

RCW 5.60.060: Who is disqualified — Privileged communications.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

In Indiana, the answer is yes.

The loopholes where all bets are off include if the person wants to hurt himself or others, or is unable to care for self, or someone else is hurting or threatening to hurt him.

Who are you wondering about?

[PG2018]

Answer: depends on the state. In many, no, because you're a "nurse." In others, if you have a psychotherapeutic relationshp, then yes.

[nursetim, NP]

Not a specific event. I just realized I haven't previously thought about it. Thank you all who responded. I'll contact my BON to dig a little deeper.