On June 17, 1987, William H. Behringer was tested positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). His diagnosis soon expanded for him to learn that he had AIDS as well. Within days, Behringer received multiple calls from friends and relatives all wishing him well, but also making it clear that they knew he had the disease. Behringer, who worked at the medical center at Princeton soon had his surgical privileges revoked and Behringer suffered both emotional and financial damage.
This case, which soon evolved into the Behringer v. The Medical Center at Princeton case was a subject of intrigue for many years. This is because the patient, Behringer, had his right to confidentiality broken twice; once to the Medical Center, and once to individuals who were not even part of Behringer's diagnosis. Surely it was wrong for the doctor to reveal the patient's condition to those outside the hospital but the court could not blame the hospital for trying to keep their (and Behringer's) patients safe? Well, they could. Behringer argued he was protected under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJSA). Some may argue that the doctor was merely trying to protect the Princeton Medical Center (PMC) patients and Behringer's relatives by warning them. Others argue that the diagnosis was bad enough, and the patient should not have had to undergo the humiliation losing his practice and alienating his family and friends.
This case, which decided in favor of Behringer, was obvious, but understandable. In light of the 1990s panic about AIDS and the little research and knowledge the hospital had, the reaction from the Medical Center was understandable. However, the fact remains that the attending physician had no right to divulge the patient's diagnosis to the medical board. Even worse, the doctor had no right to divulge the diagnosis to the public.
This case, which soon evolved into the Behringer v. The Medical Center at Princeton case was a subject of intrigue for many years. This is because the patient, Behringer, had his right to confidentiality broken twice; once to the Medical Center, and once to individuals who were not even part of Behringer's diagnosis. Surely it was wrong for the doctor to reveal the patient's condition to those outside the hospital but the court could not blame the hospital for trying to keep their (and Behringer's) patients safe? Well, they could. Behringer argued he was protected under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJSA). Some may argue that the doctor was merely trying to protect the Princeton Medical Center (PMC) patients and Behringer's relatives by warning them. Others argue that the diagnosis was bad enough, and the patient should not have had to undergo the humiliation losing his practice and alienating his family and friends.
This case, which decided in favor of Behringer, was obvious, but understandable. In light of the 1990s panic about AIDS and the little research and knowledge the hospital had, the reaction from the Medical Center was understandable. However, the fact remains that the attending physician had no right to divulge the patient's diagnosis to the medical board. Even worse, the doctor had no right to divulge the diagnosis to the public.