1. North Carolina TASC Clinical Series Training Module Two: Confidentiality

2. Confidentiality General Rule Disclosure of records or other information concerning a client in a treatment program is STRICTLY PROHIBITED!

3. Confidentiality What governs confidentiality? What does it mean for TASC? What if we violate confidentiality laws?

4. Disclosure The dissemination of information without authorized consent. Types of disclosure include: Active Passive

5. Information Anything that may be used to identify a client and his/her status.

6. Appropriate Response “ Federal and state confidentiality laws prohibit me from disclosing any information about any client or acknowledging that an individual is a client.”

7. Exceptions Internal Communications Non-patient identifying information Proper Consent Court order Medical Emergency Qualified Service Organization Agreement Research / Audit Reporting actual or suspected child abuse or neglect Crime on program premises or against program personnel

8. Requirements For a Proper Consent Form Name of the program making the disclosure Name of the recipient(s) Name of the client The specific purpose and need for the disclosure The extent and nature of the information to be disclosed A statement permitting revocation The date or event upon which the consent will expire The signature of the client The date the consent was created

9. A written notice prohibiting redisclosure must accompany client information that is being released!

10. How long is a consent valid? According to NC Division Standards, a consent shall be valid for a period not to exceed one year except: To continue established financial benefits or When the release is to the MH/DD/SAS, DMV, the Court and the Department of Correction for information needed in order to reinstate a client’s driving privileges.

11. Consent and Minors When a minor has applied for services but refuses to consent to parental notification, the program may contact the parents without the minor’s consent only if the program director believes that the minor, because of extreme youth or medical condition, does not have the capacity to decide rationally whether to consent to parental notification.

12. Congratulations! You now understand confidentiality!