Enduring CME Course: What Are the Ethical Responsibilities in Withholding Information From Patients?
Activity ID
14887Expires
March 10, 2029Format Type
EnduringCME Credit
0.25Fee
$30CME Provider: American Medical Association
Description of CME Course
Physicians frequently face complex decisions regarding how much medical information to share with patients, especially in cases involving serious diagnoses or impaired patient capacity. This educational activity explores the best practices and ethical responsibilities related to withholding and disclosing medical information. Drawing on established ethical principles, including patient autonomy, informed consent, and honest communication, learners will practice how to balance patient preferences, clinical judgment, and effective communication strategies. Through case-based discussion and application of key ethical pearls, learners will examine scenarios in which withholding information might be considered and will analyze the risks and consequences associated with such decisions. Special attention is paid to respecting patient wishes, responding to family requests, and appropriately timing disclosures. Clinicians will strengthen their ability to navigate sensitive conversations, promote shared decision-making, and foster trust within the patient-physician relationship while upholding the highest standards of medical ethics.
Disclaimers
1. This activity is accredited by the American Medical Association.
2. This activity is free to AMA members.
ABMS Member Board Approvals by Type
ABMS Lifelong Learning CME Activity
Allergy and Immunology
Anesthesiology
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Family Medicine
Medical Genetics and Genomics
Nuclear Medicine
Ophthalmology
Pathology
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Plastic Surgery
Preventive Medicine
Psychiatry and Neurology
Radiology
Thoracic Surgery
Urology
Commercial Support?
NoNOTE: If a Member Board has not deemed this activity for MOC approval as an accredited CME activity, this activity may count toward an ABMS Member Board’s general CME requirement. Please refer directly to your Member Board’s MOC Part II Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment Program Requirements.
Educational Objectives
Apply the AMA Code of Medical Ethics to guide ethical decision-making in clinical scenarios
Keywords
Ethics
Competencies
Medical Knowledge
CME Credit Type
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit
DOI
10.1001/ama.2026.0002332
