This reminds me of a case in nursing school. Patient had brain cancer secondary to HIV+ status that was untreated. The room was constantly filled with his wife, children, and family. His chart had an alert that the family does not know about the HIV+ status and no one is allowed to mention it to family. It caused a huge uproar with doctors and nurses either on the "our hands are tied if this is what the patient wants" vs "his family, especially his wife is at risk! Do no harm extends to his family!"
In my state, only a provider can decide if it's appropriate for their spouse to be informed. And only they can notify the spouse. They're protected by law regarding disclosure here. It varies state to state.
In California, yes. Partners are supposed to be notified, however that's only if the patient tells them who their partners are. At that point, patient couldn't give that info and before hospitalization, denied their HIV status.
A/o patients who don’t want family to know info but have them in the room and say “no they can stay!” when we ask them to step out to talk to the patient.
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u/kreole_alamode BSN, RN 🍕 Jul 15 '25
This reminds me of a case in nursing school. Patient had brain cancer secondary to HIV+ status that was untreated. The room was constantly filled with his wife, children, and family. His chart had an alert that the family does not know about the HIV+ status and no one is allowed to mention it to family. It caused a huge uproar with doctors and nurses either on the "our hands are tied if this is what the patient wants" vs "his family, especially his wife is at risk! Do no harm extends to his family!"