Disclosing information

Personal information may only be passed to another person or organisation:

1. With the consent of the patient (Gillick competency applies)
2. Where it is disclosed in the best interests of the patient (e.g. between members of a multidisciplinary team)
3. On a "need to know" basis if the recipient:
   • needs the information because they are directly involved in the patient's care, or
   • the use can be justified for the purposes described in the defined list of circumstances in the 'Disclosure on a need to know basis' section
   • Informed consent must be obtained from the patient, and additionally, express or explicit consent has been obtained for any activity relating to teaching or research that will involve people personally.
4. Where disclosure is required by a court (or a court order)
5. Where disclosure is required by statute (that is, by law)
6. Where disclosure is made in the public interest as described in the defined list of circumstances in 'Disclosure in the Public Interest'
7. Where information is required by the police in conjunction with the prevention or detection of serious crime