Tarasoff duty to warn: what is it and to whom does it apply in clinical risk contexts?

• A. Duty to warn even if patient poses no risk.
• B. Duty to warn or protect identifiable individuals if a patient poses a serious risk of harm; applies variably by jurisdiction.
• C. Duty to keep all patient information confidential under all circumstances.
• D. Duty to warn only when the patient requests it.

Answer: (B)

The Tarasoff duty to warn holds that clinicians have a duty to warn or protect identifiable individuals when a patient poses a serious risk of harm. This means the professional must take reasonable steps to prevent harm to someone whom the patient can identify or whom others can identify, which can include warning the potential victim or authorities, or taking steps to commit or detain the patient if needed. The key is that the risk must be serious and directed at a real, identifiable person, and the exact steps taken can vary by jurisdiction. Confidentiality isn’t absolute, and it can be breached to prevent serious harm. This description matches the option that states warning or protecting identifiable individuals if a patient poses a serious risk of harm, with applicability varying by jurisdiction.