Which statement about defenses to violating patient confidentiality is true?

• A. Employer curiosity is not a valid defense
• B. Patient intent determines defensibility
• C. Silence from the patient is a sufficient defense
• D. Any request from an employer is a defense

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality in counseling is protected, with disclosures allowed only under specific defenses such as the client’s informed consent, a legally required disclosure (like a court order or subpoena), or mandatory reporting when there is abuse or imminent danger. The statement that employer curiosity is not a valid defense is correct because simply wanting to know more about a client does not meet any legitimate exception and would erode trust and privacy. Disclosure isn’t determined by the client’s intent—even if a client wants information shared, that does not authorize you to disclose without proper consent or a legal obligation. Silence from the client is not a defense either; not objecting does not equal consent. Likewise, not every employer request is permissible; disclosures must be limited to what is legally required or what the client has explicitly authorized.