Under Maryland law, what is the significance of the 'Duty to Warn'?

The significance of the 'Duty to Warn' under Maryland law is rooted in the ethical and legal responsibilities that counselors have toward their clients and potential victims. When a counselor assesses that a client poses a serious threat to an identifiable victim, the counselor is required to take action to warn that victim. This duty arises from the need to protect individuals who may be in imminent danger, aligning with the public safety interests and the ethical mandates of the counseling profession.

This obligation not only highlights the counselor's role in ensuring client confidentiality but also prioritizes the safety of potential victims. By acting on this duty, counselors contribute to preventing harm and can facilitate interventions that may help de-escalate potentially violent situations. The 'Duty to Warn' is therefore significant in that it places the welfare of the community alongside the confidentiality of client communications, creating a critical balance in the practice of counseling in Maryland.