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Confidentiality and Privacy of Client Information

How the Agency keeps client information confidential, as 22-B DCMR §9916.2(i) requires: whether the HIPAA Privacy Rule applies to the Agency and how the Director decides, the confidentiality rules every employee follows in the office and in clients' homes, when information may be shared without an authorization, how a written authorization is obtained (Form DC-HC-PRV-01-A), and clients' rights to see their records and to complain.

Preview: full text with a package
About this policy
Policy number
DC-HC-PRV-01
Version
1.0
Main rule
22-B DCMR §9916.2(i)
Library
Washington, DC home care · 50 policies
Category
Privacy
Sections
19

In short

  • Everything you learn about a client is confidential. Use it only to do your job.
  • Talk about a client only with the client, the client representative, the nurse, your supervisor and the office.
  • Never post about clients on social media, and never take photos of a client or the home unless the nurse has approved it and the client agrees.
  • If a relative or caller asks about a client, send the question to the nurse or the office.
  • Keep papers in a closed folder, lock your phone, and use only the Agency's approved apps for client information.
  • Tell the Director the same day if client information may have been lost or seen by the wrong person.

What's inside

19 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.

Full text with a package
  • Terms of Reference
  • 1. Purpose
  • 2. Scope
  • 3. Definitions
  • 4. Policy Statement (22-B DCMR §9916.2(i))
  • 5. Does HIPAA Apply to the Agency?
  • 6. Confidentiality Rules for Every Employee
  • 7. When Information May Be Shared Without an Authorization
  • 8. Written Authorization to Release Information
  • 9. Client Rights Under HIPAA (if the Agency Is a Covered Entity)
  • 10. Privacy Questions and Complaints
  • 11. When the Rules Are Broken
  • 12. Responsibilities
  • 13. Records and Compliance Monitoring
  • 14. Staff Training
  • 15. References
  • 16. Related Policies and Forms
  • 17. Approval
  • 18. Revision History

An inspector may ask

  • How do you protect the confidentiality of client records?
  • Who can a home health aide talk to about a client?

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