What is Tarasoff duty and how does it apply to nursing practice?

• A. Tarasoff duty is a legal obligation to protect potential victims when a patient presents a credible, imminent threat of serious harm, requiring risk assessment and appropriate actions such as notification or intervention.
• B. Tarasoff duty requires reporting every patient with suicidal thoughts.
• C. Tarasoff duty allows disclosure of protected health information to any acquaintance upon request.
• D. Tarasoff duty only applies to psychiatrists, not nurses.

Answer: (A)

Tarasoff duty is the obligation to protect a potential victim when a patient poses a credible, imminent threat of serious harm. When that level of risk is identified, the clinician must perform a risk assessment and take appropriate protective actions, which can include warning the threatened person, notifying authorities, or arranging intervention to prevent harm, all in line with applicable law and policy.

In nursing practice, this means you actively assess violence risk, document your findings, and involve the treatment team and supervisors. Depending on the situation, you may need to contact the potential victim, alert security or law enforcement, or facilitate safety measures or involuntary treatment if warranted. The emphasis is on safety and timely action to prevent harm, while still following legal and policy guidelines.

This duty isn’t limited to psychiatrists; nurses and other licensed clinicians can have Tarasoff responsibilities under state laws and facility policies. It’s not a blanket requirement to disclose every suicidal thought, nor a free pass to share protected health information with anyone who asks; disclosures must be justified by the threat, be proportionate, and properly documented.