Professional confidentiality for allied health practitioners: a guide to the French framework
What professional confidentiality covers in France, when information can be shared for care coordination, and how to protect patient information in everyday practice.
Countries covered : France
Professional confidentiality is one of the foundations of the therapeutic relationship. For healthcare professionals, including allied health and medical practitioners, it protects the confidentiality of everything learned in the course of practice.
This page reviews what it covers, how to share information within the applicable framework and good practice in everyday work.
A principle protected by law
Professional confidentiality is protected by Article 226-13 of France’s Criminal Code, which penalises the disclosure of confidential information by someone entrusted with it. For a healthcare professional, it covers everything learned in the course of practice: not only what is disclosed to them, but also what they see, hear or understand.
What confidentiality covers
- The patient’s identity and circumstances.
- The content of discussions and care.
- Documents in the record (notes, reports and letters).
- Anything that could identify the patient or their care.
The duty of confidentiality does not end when care ends: it continues.
Sharing information to coordinate care
Confidentiality does not prevent teamwork. Information sharing between professionals involved in a patient’s care is governed by Article L1110-4 of France’s Public Health Code: it is possible only to the extent necessary to coordinate care or ensure its continuity, with the patient informed and entitled to object.
Personal notes and the patient record
Some professions distinguish personal notes (the practitioner’s own memory aid, not intended for sharing) from the record that can be shared. Whatever the profession, care is needed: record only what is useful, protect access and share information only within the permitted framework.
Exceptions: proceed with care
The law provides for specific situations in which confidentiality may be lifted or qualified (legal obligations, protection of vulnerable people, and so on). These cases are regulated and limited: if in doubt, consult the rules applicable to your profession and seek advice where necessary. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.
Good practice and digital tools
Protecting confidentiality is also a matter of organisation: restricted access to records, factual documentation, secure transmission and compliant tools. Software hosting health data must guarantee confidentiality through HDS-certified hosting, GDPR compliance and restricted access. Delta follows this requirement: your documentation remains confidential and belongs to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does professional confidentiality mean for an allied health practitioner?
It is the duty of confidentiality protected by Article 226-13 of France’s Criminal Code, covering everything learned in the course of practice: what is disclosed, seen, heard or understood.
Can information be shared between professionals?
Yes, only to the extent necessary to coordinate care or ensure its continuity (Article L1110-4), with the patient informed and entitled to object.
Are personal notes covered?
Depending on the profession, a distinction is made between personal notes (not intended for sharing) and the shareable record. In all cases, record only what is useful and protect access.
Does confidentiality end when care ends?
No: the duty of professional confidentiality continues after care has ended.
How do digital tools protect confidentiality?
Through HDS-certified hosting, GDPR compliance and restricted access to data. Professional confidentiality and data protection reinforce one another.
Confidential documentation by design
Delta hosts your data with HDS certification and complies with the GDPR: your documentation remains confidential and belongs to you.
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