Can a patient have two support people, and what happens if there is conflict between the support people?
For practical reasons, patients should nominate only one support person. However, in the circumstance where a patient nominates more than one that is acceptable. Common sense should prevail with regards to the actual number. In the case of minors these patients will regularly have two support persons (ie both parents). If a conflict arises between the support people as to how the open disclosure process will progress, this should be managed using strategies such as repeat discussion, mediation, and counselling. If the parents of a minor (under 18 years of age) are divorced or separated, PHOs should assume that both parents have retained full responsibility for the minor, unless the Family Court has made an order stipulating that one or both parents have particular responsibilities. Unless Court orders have been made, parental responsibility is not affected by changes to relationships (ie if the parents separate). This means that in order for a PHO to discharge its legal obligations, di
