Confidentiality is a key element of health care morals, laws and ethics. The term refers to information that patients disclose to healthcare professionals and remains private with strict restrictions in place on when it can be disclosed to third parties (Harvey. 2005, p. 157). Confidentiality protects human rights and supports nurses' professional values ​​(Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2013), for example by putting patients' care first, respecting their privacy and dignity (NMC, 2008, p. 1 ). Confidentiality is a necessity but should not override patient care or govern clinical supervision (Fowler, 2013, p.1196). However, it can often create dilemmas for nurses, as they need to ensure that their decision does not harm the health and safety of themselves, the patient or the public (NMC, 2008, p.2). This essay will outline the types of regulations and ethical guidelines imposed on nurses, potential issues that may arise, and steps taken to comply with confidentiality laws. It will also compare how confidentiality impacts nursing practice in both adult and child nursing. The NHS is obliged to comply with many policies, including human rights law. For example, Article 8 (respect for private and family life) provides for the right to privacy and Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination) gives people the right to protection from discrimination (Great Britain. National Health Service, 2010, p .4). It is stated that it is against the law to knowingly reveal someone's personal details and identity (UK. National Health Service, 2010, p.5), or to betray the trust of a patient who expects total trust, without reason justifiable, regardless of their… middle of the paper… religion, age, gender or race, and from there act appropriately, consolidating relevant patient information with other key members of staff (MPS, 2014). However, some different ethical issues may arise in emergency medical situations that differ between adults and children. For example cases concerning religion or faith; if an adult Jehovah's Witness refuses a blood transfusion under any circumstances, the medical staff can do little to ensure the health and well-being of the patient, however if a child arrives in the same circumstances, the medical team has an obligation to provide to that child's well-being and can therefore override the decision of his or her parents or guardians (Wooley, 2005). Even beforehand the patient would be discussed and a decision would be made by a team of healthcare professionals to ensure that their decision is the absolute necessity.