Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in North Carolina

Can a psychiatrist call in the police for a probation violation?

Let's say somebody left the state violating their

probation and then later returned to turn themselves in.

Imagine this person was taking medication for

depression but had just run out and had no doctor to

renew their prescription. Say this person thought they

might have to spend some time in jail and was afraid of

going without medication. Picture this person telling an

emergency room psychiatrist the whole truth about their

situation, and the doctor instead of treating the patient,

tells the police. Is this legal?


Asked on 10/12/03, 2:31 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

William Horsley William F. Horsley, P.A.

Re: Can a psychiatrist call in the police for a probation violation?

It's legal, but it MAY be a violation of professional ethics. If you feel strongly about the subject, you may want to consider filing a grievance with the N.C. Medical Board. I'm not sure they would actually DO anything, but that appears to be your only recourse.

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Answered on 10/13/03, 9:43 am


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