AMA Journal of Ethics
Volume 19, Issue 1, 2017, Pages 45-53

Ethical considerations in mandatory disclosure of data acquired while caring for human trafficking survivors (Article)

Kerr P.L. , Dash R.
  • a Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University (WVU), School of Medicine- Charleston, United States
  • b Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University (WVU), School of Medicine- Charleston, United States

Abstract

Accurate data on the prevalence and psychological effects of human trafficking as well as treatment outcomes for survivors are essential for measuring the impact of interventions and generating better understanding of this phenomenon. However, such data are difficult to obtain. A legal mandate for health care professionals to report trafficking opens opportunities for advancing our work in the field of human trafficking but also poses risks to survivors seeking services. In this article, we provide an analysis of some critical ethical considerations for the development and implementation of a mandatory reporting policy and offer recommendations for the ethical implementation of such a policy. © 2017 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Survivors Health Personnel Mandatory Reporting medical ethics Ethics, Clinical Disclosure public policy human trafficking survivor risk legislation and jurisprudence interpersonal communication health care personnel human Humans ethics
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85015584741&doi=10.1001%2fjournalofethics.2016.19.1.stas1-1701&partnerID=40&md5=cc97538ea577b05ef2adf18eea3bacf5
DOI: 10.1001/journalofethics.2016.19.1.stas1-1701
ISSN: 23766980
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English