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Confidentiality and safeguarding in teenager — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardPharmacy Law and EthicsConfidentiality and safeguarding in teenagerGPhC CRA

A 15-year-old asks for emergency contraception and says her parents must not be told. She appears calm, understands the situation and says the partner is 16. There are no disclosed coercion concerns, but she looks worried about confidentiality. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: C — Assess competence, safeguarding and confidentiality before supplying or referring

Young people may receive confidential sexual health services if competent, but safeguarding assessment is essential. The pharmacist should assess understanding, consent, coercion, age of partner and any risk factors, while explaining confidentiality and its limits. Automatic parental disclosure would be inappropriate unless safeguarding concerns require it. Partner confirmation is not an acceptable substitute for assessing the young person.

Reference: GPhC Standards; Fraser/Gillick principles; MEP