When Genetic Diseases Threaten Patient Privacy

Interesting medical share.

Very thought provoking story. Thanks for sharing it.

A doctor's responsibility is to his/her patient and not family members unless the patient signs paperwork designating a family member to receive their medical information. I fill out paperwork every time I go to my primary care physician to keep my wife informed if anything significant. HIPAA rules for patient privacy are very strict in the US. Unauthorized release can result in punishment of those who do it. If parents don't want to tell their children about a condition that could negatively impact them, then that is solely on them and not the doctor.