Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida
In the state of Florida, what are the laws regarding hospitals finding illegal drugs on a patient's person? Are there privacy issues or is the staff required to turn such contraband over to the police? And if there are patient confidentiality issues may there be a civil case against hospital for turning drugs over to the police?
Asked on 11/12/10, 12:03 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Shelly Schellenberg MI & FL
private practice
Doctor patient confidentiality applies to communications for the purpose of treatment. If you told your doctor that you were a drug user, this information is confidential. Your question is really whether you have an expectation of privacy, when you are in a hospital, and whether this trumps the hospital's duty to report illegal activity. You will need a criminal attorney to answer this question.
Answered on 11/17/10, 5:22 am
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