Ethics and Professionalism : If a patient’s family member asks how their loved one is doing, what can the treating physician or nurse disclose?

Ethics and Professionalism. 

You are a health educator responsible for the employee health promotion program at the Northridge Clinic.  Based on the results of the health risk appraisals you administered, you are aware that one of the department managers is a consistent abuser of alcohol.  The employee in question is well liked at the Clinic and is a good employee.  To the best of your knowledge, alcohol has not impacted this person’s work performance, but you feel it has the potential to do so.

What should you do with this information?  What is the ethical dilemma in this case?

If a patient’s family member asks how their loved one is doing, what can the treating physician or nurse disclose?

May a healthcare professional access a patient record if that patient is not under the professional’s direct care?

(Acceptable range: 100 to 300 words for all questions )