How much information can/should be shared with law enforcement? This issue arises more than you might imagine.

Consider this scenario: Bob has several outstanding warrants for his arrest. Unfortunately, Bob is involved in a motor vehicle crash and sustains significant injuries. Upon arriving to the crash site, law enforcement learns that Bob is suspected of three felonies; however, Bob needs immediate medical care and is taken to the nearest hospital for emergency surgery. Law enforcement knows that if they arrest Bob in the hospital, Bob must have an officer with him at all times while hospitalized AND the jurisdiction making the arrest becomes responsible for Bob's medical care costs. Law enforcement decides to wait until Bob is discharged to make an arrest; however, Bob's significant other makes Bob a "no information" patient (in other words, no one can know if Bob is in or out of the hospital). Law enforcement calls the nursing unit and asks the nurse to notify law enforcement when Bob is discharged so that an arrest can be made. (This prevents the need for an officer to be with Bob in the hospital AND prevents the jurisdiction from becoming responsible for Bob's medical bills.)

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION: (1) According to patient confidentiality laws, what information are you allowed to share with law enforcement? (2) Do your legal obligations conflict with your personal moral compass? Why or why not?