When can a guardian refuse to disclose sensitive information?

A guardian can refuse to disclose sensitive information when doing so would be detrimental to the person's well-being. This principle recognizes the guardian's responsibility to protect the individual under their care, particularly regarding information that, if revealed, could harm the individual's emotional, psychological, or even physical state. For instance, if disclosure could lead to stigmatization, stress, or further complications in the individual's life, the guardian is ethically and legally bound to prioritize the individual's best interests above the need to share certain information.

In this context, the guardian's role is to balance transparency with the need to safeguard the individual’s welfare, maintaining confidentiality when necessary for the person's overall health and safety. This aligns with the overarching goal of guardianship: to ensure that the individual is supported and protected in a manner that respects their dignity and personal circumstances.