skip to main content

Communicable disease reporting — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyEthics & ProfessionalismCommunicable disease reportingMCCQE Part 1

36-year-old man presents with newly diagnosed active pulmonary tuberculosis. He asks that public health not be told because of work concerns. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Notify public health and explain the legal/public-health duty

Notify public health and explain the legal/public-health duty is best because active TB is reportable and requires contact/public health management. Breach confidentiality broadly without legal basis is suboptimal because disclosure must be limited to what is legally authorised or clinically necessary; Let family preference override a capable patient is suboptimal because capable patients direct their own care; Refuse to discuss the issue and document nothing is suboptimal because professional practice requires communication and clear documentation; Delay a mandatory report until certainty is absolute is suboptimal because statutory reporting thresholds are often suspicion or reasonable belief, not proof. Disclose the minimum necessary information.

Reference: CMPA duty to report; Canadian Tuberculosis Standards