Infringement on Patient Physician Relationship

A confidential relationship between patient and physician is essential for the free exchange of information necessary for sound medical care. Only in a setting of trust can a patient share the private feelings and medical, social and family histories that enable the physician to properly counsel, prevent, diagnose, and treat .

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) opposes legislation that infringes on the content or breadth of information exchanged within the patient physician relationship because of the potential harm it can cause to the health of the individual, family and community. Physicians should be free to have open and honest communication with patients about all aspects of health and safety. Physicians should be able to gather any information that can impact the health of their patients and their patients’ families.

The AAFP recognizes immigration status as protected health information (PHI) that is not to be disclosed without the express consent of patients and supports policies protecting healthcare settings from immigration enforcement.

(2011 COD) (April 2026 BOD)