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?
1 Answer from Attorneys
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.