What type of information is shared about patients?

Doctors and other health care providers may share information about a patient with his family members and friends involved with his care as long as he does not object, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. This is true for mental health services, except for psychotherapy notes.

Although in general, health care providers may provide information about a minor child's health care to his parents, state laws prohibit sharing certain types of information, explains the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Some situations in which information may not be shared include cases of substance abuse or mental health disorders. Health care providers may also share mental health information about a patient with law enforcement authorities if they believe the patient may harm himself.