What does the "duty to warn" entail for healthcare professionals?

The concept of "duty to warn" is particularly significant in the field of healthcare as it pertains to a healthcare professional's obligation to take necessary actions if they believe a patient poses a risk of harm to themselves or others. This duty arises primarily from the need to protect potential victims from foreseeable harm and reflects a balance between patient confidentiality and public safety.

When a healthcare provider assesses a situation where a patient may endanger another individual, they must prioritize informing the appropriate authorities or those who may be at risk. This action not only serves to safeguard potential victims but also fulfills the legal and ethical obligations of the healthcare provider to prevent harm. In many jurisdictions, this duty is rooted in legal precedents and statutory mandates aimed at mitigating dangers posed by certain patients.

In contrast, notifying patients about treatment risks, reporting suspected malpractice, and reminding patients of their advance directives are essential responsibilities for healthcare professionals, but they do not fall under the definition of the "duty to warn." Instead, these roles focus more on patient care management, ensuring informed consent, and facilitating autonomy rather than addressing the immediate safety concerns that the duty to warn encapsulates.