The Order of Physicians considers that the texts in force already make it possible to overcome the problem of medical confidentiality in the event of imminent danger.
The end does not justify the means. In the aftermath of the government’s statements, which wants to strengthen cooperation between psychiatrists and police authorities to fight against radicalization, the National Council of the Order of Physicians made a point of making a small update.
In one communicated, the CNOM says it is “open to dialogue with the authorities”, but seems to deem it appropriate to recall “the fundamental principles of medical practice”.
The Order is, like society, “fully aware of the dangers associated with radicalization”. Several months ago, he recalls, the body has already taken a precise and detailed position on the procedure to be followed when a health professional is faced with a profile at risk of committing a terrorist attack.
Apply existing texts
First, the ordinal authority recalls “the absolute need to preserve the fundamental principles of professional practice, in particular that of medical confidentiality”. The CNOM insists on the code of ethics, which is very clear on the issue: “Confidentiality between doctor and patient is absolute. It is an essential principle in the relationship of trust that binds professionals to their patients ”.
But certain exceptional circumstances allow doctors to override medical confidentiality in the event of probable danger. This is why the Order recommends “the full application of the texts in force, and in particular those of the penal code which are addressed to all citizens”, rather than creating new derogations about which “we cannot measure the possible subsequent drifts ”.
Police, justice
Finally, the CNOM recalls that in a regime of freedoms, the cooperation of doctors “can only be done with the justice authorities”, and not with the police. “Respect for the fundamental principles of our Republic is at stake,” insists the Order.
Taking these bases into account, the Order of Physicians says it is ready to dialogue with the authorities in order to guarantee, to doctors and patients, respect for the ethical contract that binds them.
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