DP1

DecisionPoint
http://proethica.org/ontology/cases#DecisionPoint

DP1

Should Engineer A report the client-disclosed electrical and mechanical code violations to appropriate public authorities, or treat the confidentiality agreement as a complete bar to external disclosure?

Engineer A, having learned from the client that the occupied apartment building contains electrical and mechanical code violations that could injure occupants, must decide whether to report those violations to appropriate public authorities or to treat the confidentiality agreement as a complete bar to external disclosure — notwithstanding the NSPE Code's paramount safety obligation in Section I.1 and the explicit exception clause in Section II.1.c.

Notify appropriate public authorities (building code enforcement, fire marshal, or housing authority) of the client-disclosed electrical and mechanical code violations, invoking Section II.1.c's explicit exception to the confidentiality obligation on the grounds that public danger is present.

Treat the signed confidentiality agreement as a complete bar to external disclosure, relying on Section III.4's protection of client-transmitted confidential information and the faithful agent role under Section II.4, while limiting disclosure to the brief mention in the confidential structural report.

Inform the client that Engineer A will withdraw from the engagement and notify public authorities unless the client either undertakes remediation or authorizes Engineer A to disclose the violations to appropriate authorities, treating the ultimatum as a final attempt to resolve the conflict within the client relationship before escalating externally.

Engineer