[NP-Clinical] HIPPA rules following death of a client

[gaebler at comcast.net]

Hi all

I recently found out that a client in his late 30's early 40's died very unexpectedly last month at home.  His wife told me no autopsy was done (don't know why).  His father just left me a message requesting information regarding what I was treating him for & what medications he had been on.  I am concerned  that an abuse of xanax may have played a part in his death- I tried to wean him off the medication because he had a habit of overusing it, but he was very resistant to this.  He was a high functioning person in law enforcement.  Am I allowed to talk to his father or does HIPPA rules prohibit this?  Should I just suggest he talk to his wife?  I don't want to ignore the call.  

Debbie Gaebler, ARNP
Psychiatric Mental Health
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