Tarasoff duty applies to which of the following?

• A. It applies to all individuals regardless of identifiability
• B. It applies only when the threat is to the public at large
• C. It applies to identifiable victims known to the treating professional
• D. It is not applicable in clinical settings

Answer: (C)

Tarasoff centers on the clinician’s duty to protect identifiable individuals when a patient poses a serious risk of violence. The crucial point is identifiability: if the threat targets a specific person or clearly identifiable victims, the professional must take steps to warn that person or to protect them (for example, by notifying authorities or arranging treatment). This is why the correct statement is that the duty applies to identifiable victims known to the treating professional. It is not a blanket duty to everyone, nor limited to threats to the public at large, and it certainly applies in clinical settings.