How much should a doctor tell the family about a patient’s (their family member’s) condition?

Under statutory and common law doctors have an obligation to inform patients of their illness so that they are able to make informed decisions. The ethical principles underlying these laws are those of autonomy and self determination.

A doctor’s duty of confidentiality normally prohibits providing information about the patient’s illness to others without the patient’s consent. There is, however an 'implied consent' from the patient to inform close relatives in urgent situations. If the patient is competent the doctor should always check with the patient regarding who the doctor can give information to.