General Rule -------------

General Rule Definition

No acknowledgement or disclosure of any confidential information to anyone, without authorization.

One of the most difficult issues for many people who receive services from DHHS is the negative stereotypes and social stigma associated with mental illness, mental retardation, autism, and substance abuse.  In the course of providing services to our clients, we obtain a lot of personal information, some of it about very private aspects of their lives.  Unauthorized disclosure of this information can result in not only embarrassment and loss of trust but also in clients losing their homes or jobs.  For these reasons confidentiality regarding personal information is protected by professional codes of ethics, by regulations, and by state and federal laws.

What does confidential mean?

Confidentiality - The protection of private, identifying information. If information is accorded a confidential status, that status mandates specific controls, including strict limitations on access and disclosure, so that unauthorized persons cannot access it. These controls must be adhered to by those handling the information. Confidentiality is an inclusive concept that is designed to assure that information will be used responsibly. It is an integral part of professional codes of ethics that regulate the disclosure of information obtained in the course of professional interactions.

Individually identifiable information - Information, which makes it possible to identify an individual. This may be direct (name, SS#, etc.) or indirect (information from which one can reasonably figure out the identity of an individual).

 

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