C-15, r. 4 - Code of ethics of chemists

Section 52.1 Disposition versions

2012-09-01

52.1. A chemist may communicate information that is protected by professional secrecy to prevent an act of violence, including a suicide, where the chemist has reasonable cause to believe that there is an imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury to a person or an identifiable group of persons.

However, the chemist may only communicate the information to a person exposed to the danger or that person’s representative, and to the persons who can come to that person’s aid. The chemist may only communicate such information as is necessary to achieve the purposes for which the information is communicated, in particular the name of the person in danger, the name and contact information of the person who made the threats, the nature of the threats and the circumstances in which they were made.

If it is necessary in the best interests of the person exposed to the danger, the chemist shall consult another member of the order, a member of another professional order, or any other qualified person, provided the consultation will not prejudicially delay the communication of the information.

O.C. 21-2004, s. 1.