Physicians may disclose autopsy results to the surrogate or other decision maker who gave consent for the procedure.
Otherwise, physicians may disclose a deceased patient’s personal health information only:
- In accord with the patient’s explicit prior consent or directive. Physicians should respect the individual’s specific preferences regarding disclosure.
- When required by law.
- When in the physician’s judgment disclosure will avert harm to, or benefit, identifiable individuals or the community.
- For purposes of medical research or education if personal identifiers have been removed.
In all circumstances, physicians should:
- Consider the effect disclosure is likely to have on the patient’s reputation.
- Restrict disclosure to the minimum necessary information.
When disclosing a deceased patient’s health information would result in personal gain for the physician (financial or otherwise), the physician must seek specific consent to the disclosure from the patient’s authorized decision maker.
AMA Principles of Medical Ethics: IV
Read the Principles