Which scenario is NOT a permissible reason to break confidentiality?

Which scenario is NOT a permissible reason to break confidentiality?

• A. Routine treatment planning with minor edits
• B. Immediate threat to identifiable victim
• C. Client authorizes in writing
• D. Criminal case with a court order

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality is the default, with only a few clearly defined exceptions that permit disclosure without the client’s consent. Sharing information for routine treatment planning with minor edits isn’t one of those exceptions; coordinating care within the treatment team is typically done under the client’s overall consent and involves only the minimum necessary information. In contrast, you may disclose if the client provides written authorization to share with specific people, if there is an immediate threat to an identifiable victim and you need to warn or protect, or if a court order or mandatory reporting requirement applies. So the scenario that is not a permissible reason to break confidentiality is routine treatment planning with minor edits.

Confidentiality is the default, with only a few clearly defined exceptions that permit disclosure without the client’s consent. Sharing information for routine treatment planning with minor edits isn’t one of those exceptions; coordinating care within the treatment team is typically done under the client’s overall consent and involves only the minimum necessary information. In contrast, you may disclose if the client provides written authorization to share with specific people, if there is an immediate threat to an identifiable victim and you need to warn or protect, or if a court order or mandatory reporting requirement applies. So the scenario that is not a permissible reason to break confidentiality is routine treatment planning with minor edits.