Privileged communication definition

What is a Privileged Communication?

A privileged communication is a conversation between two parties that is legally classified as a private discussion. This discussion is legally protected, and so cannot be disclosed to third parties. The concept is most commonly associated with a discussion between an attorney and a client. Privileged communications can also be held between a CPA and a client, a doctor and a patient, a reporter and a source, a priest and a parishioner, and so forth. If a CPA divulges a privileged communication, his or her license may be revoked by the applicable state board of accountancy.

Confidential conversations cannot be treated as privileged unless there is an applicable protective law.

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