Does DoD 6490.08 require mental health providers to disclose safety concerns and fitness for duty issues to commanders?

Does DoD 6490.08 require mental health providers to disclose safety concerns and fitness for duty issues to commanders?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only safety concerns
• D. Only fitness for duty

Answer: (B)

Confidentiality in military mental health care is the guiding principle. DoD 6490.08 governs how mental health treatment is provided and how information is shared, and it does not require mental health providers to automatically disclose safety concerns or fitness-for-duty issues to a service member’s commander. Typically, information is shared only with the service member’s written consent or on a need-to-know basis for treatment and safety. There are limited exceptions—such as imminent risk to self or others or other legal obligations—where disclosure may be made to appropriate authorities, but there isn’t a blanket mandate to disclose safety or fitness-for-duty concerns to commanders.

Confidentiality in military mental health care is the guiding principle. DoD 6490.08 governs how mental health treatment is provided and how information is shared, and it does not require mental health providers to automatically disclose safety concerns or fitness-for-duty issues to a service member’s commander. Typically, information is shared only with the service member’s written consent or on a need-to-know basis for treatment and safety. There are limited exceptions—such as imminent risk to self or others or other legal obligations—where disclosure may be made to appropriate authorities, but there isn’t a blanket mandate to disclose safety or fitness-for-duty concerns to commanders.