Question

A well-known pop star, Tiffany Harpoon, was admitted to Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for psychiatric evaluation as part of a child-custody dispute with ex-husband Kenny T, who temporarily had sole legal and physical custody of the couple's children. Dr. Hill, a well-known talk show host and friend of the family visited Harpoon in the hospital on January 7th without Harpoon's consent. Dr. Hill subsequently released a statement were he said his: “meeting with Tiffany and some of her family members this morning in her room at Cedars leaves me convinced more than ever that she is in dire need of both medical and psychological intervention. She was released moments before my arrival and was packing when I entered the room. We visited for about an hour before I walked with her to her car. I am very concerned for her.” (Harris 2008) 1. Did Dr. Hill have the right to visit Ms. Harpoon? Did he have the right to make the statement he did about her condition? 2. What access and/or disclosure problems do you see with this situation? 3. What are some of the issues that surface with this case as related to public figures and/or celebrities as well as patients with behavioral healthcare issues?

Answer 1

1.Dr.Hill had the right to visit Ms. Harpoon as a well wisher but purely with patient consent.Here as the patient has not given any consent Dr.Hill have no rights to meet the patient without patient's interest. Further disclosure about patient health condition publically is wrong and he hold no rights to comment on patient's health status.

2.This has invaded one's personal life ,it is an act of breaching confidentiality and privacy.

3.This can create a discussion among public about her health status , criticism,misinterpretation which can further depress a patient who has behavioral healthcare issues. It can lead to loss of privacy self respect, dignity and directly impacting the career. This can lead the patient to psychological stress and financial loss by having a chance to get less career offers.