49.215 - Definitions.

49.215  Definitions.  As used in NRS 49.215 to 49.245, inclusive:

      1.  A communication is “confidential” if it is not intended to be disclosed to third persons other than:

      (a) Those present to further the interest of the patient in the consultation, examination or interview;

      (b) Persons reasonably necessary for the transmission of the communication; or

      (c) Persons who are participating in the diagnosis and treatment under the direction of the doctor, including members of the patient’s family.

      2.  “Doctor” means a person licensed to practice medicine, dentistry or osteopathic medicine in any state or nation, or a person who is reasonably believed by the patient to be so licensed, and in addition includes a person employed by a public or private agency as a psychiatric social worker, or someone under his or her guidance, direction or control, while engaged in the examination, diagnosis or treatment of a patient for a mental condition.

      3.  “Patient” means a person who consults or is examined or interviewed by a doctor for purposes of diagnosis or treatment.

      (Added to NRS by 1971, 785; A 1975, 1632; 1977, 956; 1995, 2498)