Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

The mother is expecting a child. Not sure who the child's father is. By getting a paternity test before the child is born and obtaining the potential father's DNA. Does the doctor have the right to reveal the the results of the test to the father if the mother says she wants to keep it confidential whether its his or not. Can the doctor tell the father with the patient-doctor confidentiality?


Asked on 11/18/09, 10:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Doctors don't do DNA testing, labs do DNA testing. DNA test results can be subpoenaed if an alleged father believes test results exist. As to Doctor-patient confidentiality, it is a weak privilege in any event and records can typically be obtained if they contain relevant information.

Read more
Answered on 11/25/09, 10:55 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Washington