Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
The law protects the relationship between a patient and physician, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist the client's cooperation in ensuring his or her safety. If the person does not cooperate, I will take further measures without permission that are provided to me by law in order to help ensure his or her safety.
Patients seeking treatment for substance abuse are protected by the following federal law:
The confidentiality of alcohol- and drug-dependence patient records maintained by this practice is protected by federal law and regulations. Generally, the practice may not say to a person outside the practice that a patient attends the practice, or disclose any information identifying a patient as being alcohol- or drug-dependent unless:
1. The patient consents in writing;
2. The disclosure is allowed by a court order; or
3. The disclosure is made to medical personnel in a medical emergency or to qualified personnel for research, audit, or practice/program evaluation.
Violation of the federal law and regulations by a practice/program is a crime. Suspected violations may be reported to appropriate authorities in accordance with federal regulations. Federal law and regulations do not protect any information about a crime committed by a patient either at the practice/program or against any person who works for the practice/program or about any threat to commit such a crime. Federal laws and regulations do not protect any information about suspected child abuse or neglect from being reported under state law to appropriate state or local authorities.