Current through the 2024 legislative session
Section 33-27-123 - Privileged communication(a) In judicial proceedings, whether civil, criminal, or juvenile, in legislative and administrative proceedings, in proceedings related to the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, W.S. 33-27-202, and in proceedings preliminary and ancillary thereto, a patient or client, or his guardian or personal representative, may refuse to disclose or prevent the disclosure of confidential information, including information contained in administrative records, communicated to a person licensed or otherwise authorized to practice under this act, the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, W.S. 33-27-202 or to persons reasonably believed by the patient or client to be so licensed, and their agents, for the purpose of diagnosis, evaluation or treatment of any mental or emotional condition or disorder. The psychologist, behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst shall not disclose any information communicated as described above in the absence of an express waiver of the privilege except in the following circumstances: (i) Where abuse or harmful neglect of children, the elderly or disabled or incompetent individuals is known or reasonably suspected;(ii) Where the validity of a will of a former patient or client is contested;(iii) Where such information is necessary for the psychologist, behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst to defend against a malpractice action brought by the patient or client;(iv) Where an immediate threat of physical violence against a readily identifiable victim is disclosed to the psychologist, behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst;(v) In the context of civil commitment proceedings, where an immediate threat of self-inflicted damage is disclosed to the psychologist, behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst;(vi) Where the patient or client, by alleging mental or emotional damages in litigation, puts his mental state in issue and production of those materials by the patient or client is required by law;(vii) Where the patient or client is examined pursuant to court order; or(viii) In the context of investigations and hearings brought by the patient or client and conducted by the board where violations of this act or the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, W.S. W.S. 33-27-202 are at issue. Information that is deemed to be of sensitive nature shall be inspected by the board in camera and the board shall determine whether or not the information shall become a part of the record and subject to public disclosure.Amended by Laws 2023, ch. 21,§ 2, eff. 2/15/2023.Amended by Laws 2022 , ch. 47, § 2, eff. 3/9/2022.