Peter B. is admitted to a local hospital emergency room (ER) suffering from an anxiety attack. He tells the ER physician that he is anxious about a job promotion for which he is being considered. Peter’s secretary is worried about him and asks her father, Dr. K., who is on the medical staff at the hospital, to go to the ER and see how Peter is doing. Dr. K., who is often in the ER, knows all the staff and they willingly give him Peter’s chart when he asks for it. Dr. K. calls his daughter to tell her that Peter is being treated for anxiety with an anti-depressant drug and will probably be discharged. She relays this encouraging message to Peter’s boss. Peter does not receive the promotion. a. Will it be an easy matter for Peter to prove that the ER staff caused Peter to lose his promotion? Explain your answer.
b. What precautions can be taken to avoid giving confidential information to medical personnel who have no need to see it?
c. In your opinion, should a diagnosis of anxiety be a concern for an employer? Why or why not?