Confidentiality occurs when there is an exchange of information made in trust between individuals or groups with the overt understanding that none of the information will be given to any other individual, group, or entity without the written consent of the client.
Procedure
- All clients will be protected from disclosure of information that violates their right to privacy except where required by law, i.e. child abuse. Professional ethics require responsibility for maintaining the confidentiality of private information.
- Clinic personnel shall be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of private information. Disclosure by and between volunteers/employees of private information shall occur only as necessary to carry out job functions.
- Information shall be released to third parties only upon written authorization from the client. An Authorization to Release Records Form must be signed by the client. The written authorization will be time-limited to the duration of the pregnancy. The written authorization will be witnessed by a staff person or volunteer of SMPCC.
- No confidential information will be released to anyone, even the client, over the telephone. If a call is initiated by a medical staff of SMPCC, information may be released to the client.
- When a client comes into SMPCC to pick up their records, they may be asked for proof of identity.