Matters related in official capacity; exceptions to privilege

Sec. 1. Matters communicated to a counselor in the counselor's official capacity by a client are privileged information and may not be disclosed by the counselor to any person, except under the following circumstances: (1) In a criminal proceeding involving a homicide if the disclosure relates directly to the fact or immediate circumstances of the homicide. (2) If the communication reveals the contemplation or commission of a crime or a serious harmful act. (3) If: (A) the client is an unemancipated minor or an adult adjudicated to be incompetent; and (B) the information communicated to the counselor indicates the client was the victim of abuse or a crime. (4) In a proceeding to determine mental competency, or a proceeding in which a defense of mental incompetency is raised. (5) In a civil or criminal malpractice action against the counselor. (6) If the counselor has the express consent of: (A) the client; or (B) in the case of a client's death or disability, the express consent of the client's legal representative. (7) To a physician if the physician is licensed under IC 25-22.5 and has established a physician-patient relationship with the client. (8) Circumstances under which privileged communication is abrogated under Indiana law. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997, SEC.57.