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Communicable disease reporting — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateEthics & ProfessionalismCommunicable disease reportingMCCQE Part 1

A patient tests positive for infectious syphilis and asks the physician not to tell anyone because of stigma. The province requires reporting to public health, and partner notification support is available. What is the most appropriate ethical/legal action?

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Correct answer: B — Report the infection to public health and explain the legal requirement

Reportable communicable diseases must be reported to public health according to provincial law. The physician should explain the requirement and protect confidentiality as far as possible. Patient-directed reporting alone is insufficient. Public disclosure and coercive refusal of treatment are inappropriate.

Reference: Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections; provincial public health legislation