I understand that in California, shrinks have a duty to protect records. I expect encryption is spreading. I also expect that many of them are worried about the trend to force disclosure of patient records. (Such as with the Tarasoff ruling on patients who make threats, the various other loopholes for breaking doctor-patient privilege, the various "discovery" procedures in court cases, and so on.)
I personally know individuals that are avoiding medical care because of concerns about confidentiality. It seems the loopholes are extending. Patient records stay around for years. Who knows what the requirements will be five years from now? It would not surprise me if individuals who have been seeking drug treatment within the last, say, five years would have to be reported to the Klinton Kommunal Kare agency.
(Watch for software key escrow to fold this in: mandated encryption of records, but American Psychiatric Association and California State Mental Health Association the designated escrow sites. For example.)
To be examined by the above supervisory agency upon "reasonable suspicion", no doubt. -- Lucky Green <shamrock@netcom.com> PGP public key by finger