The stimulus tells us that a physician turning in a wanted patient with a non infectious skin condition to the police would not violate medical ethics because physicians are under obligation to report gunshot wounds to the police and infectious diseases to health authorities, The questions asks us which principle when applied to the facts in the stimulus would conclude that the physician would violate medical ethics. The question requires us to take all the information in stimulus as true but reach a different conclusion, thus the correct answer choice would weaken the conclusion in the stimulus.
Let's look at the answer choices:
(A) Since the physicians acts as a professional and a citizen, it is not ethical to conceal information from law enforcement.
Incorrect. This principle tells us that if the facts in the stimulus are true, it is unethical for the physicians NOT to turn the patient to the police who has proper jurisdiction. This is the opposite of the conclusion we are looking for.
(B) Since a patient comes with the expectation of confidentiality, it is unethical to share information with anyone except personnel in the physician's office.
Incorrect. This principle reaches the conclusion we are looking for but it is inconsistent with the facts in the stimulus as it fails to provide an exception to confidentiality in case of gunshot wounds and infectious diseases.
(C) It is not ethical for the physician, except in case of gunshot wounds, to disclose the identity to law enforcement agencies
Correct. This principle reaches the conclusion we are looking for and is consistent with the facts in the stimulus as it provides an exception for gunshot wounds and leaves open the possibility of reporting an infection condition without disclosing the identity of the patient.
(D) Except as required by the medical treatment of the patients, physicians cannot disclose information about patient's identity or medical condition without his consent.
Incorrect. This principle reaches the conclusion we are looking for but it fails to provide an except for gunshot wounds or infectious diseases consistent with the facts in the stimulus.
(E) Except to other medical personnel, physicians cannot ethically disclose information about the identity of medical condition.
Incorrect. This principle also reaches the conclusion we are looking for but it fails to provide an except for gunshot wounds or infectious diseases consistent with the facts in the stimulus.
Let me know if this helps and if you have any further questions.
