Privacy and Confidentiality

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Privacy and Confidentiality

• Chapter 4

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4.01-Discussing the limits of confidentiality

• Always inform patients about the limits of
  confidentiality.
• Even if you think they already know the
  information!
• Emphasize what the limits and exceptions are.
• Discuss at the beginning of relationships.
• Have specific permission to videotape or
  audiotape sessions.

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4.02-Maintaining confidentiality

• Guard your clients privacy carefully.
• Dont discuss them in public or in writing
  without express written permission.
• Dont even confirm or deny that they are client
  without their written permission.

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4.03-Minimizing Intrusions on Privacy

• Minimize intrusions on privacy in reports or
  notes.
• Include only facts that are relevant to the case.
• Include only information that is necessary for
  the reader to make a decision or draw a
  conclusion.
• Reveal information only to other professionals
  and only for valid reasons.

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4.04-Maintenance of Records

• The psychologist has a responsibility for keeping
  all records confidential.
• Storage
• Disposal
• Computer and other technology issues

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4.04-Disclosures

• Information about a patient can only be disclosed
  when allowed or required by law, or with
  patients written consent
• Pt. is harm to self or others
• Child abuse

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4.06-Consultations

• When consulting with colleagues
• Dont reveal patient names
• Dont reveal identifying information
• Only share as much information as necessary to
  get the consultation/supervision you need.

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4.07-Confidential Information in Databases

• Identifying information should not be included in
  databases or coding.
• Primarily about research
• Research subjects still have many of the same
  rights to confidentiality as do patients.

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4.08-Use of Confidential Information for Didactic
Purposes

• Psychologists often use case examples in their
  teaching, writing, speaking, etc.
• Do so only without identifying information.
• Be careful! Even details of the persons problem
  or treatment could be identifying.
• Inform audience that you are changing identifying
  information.
• Protect the reputation of the profession.

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4.09-Preserving Records and Data

• Make plans in advance to protect your records in
  case of your death or incapacitation.

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4.10-Ownership of Records and Data

• Know the laws of your state in the area of
  ownership of records and data.
• In Georgia, patients have right to see their
  records unless the psychologist believes that
  seeing the record would be detrimental to the
  physical or mental health of the patient.

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4.11-Withholding Records for Nonpayment

• You cant hold records hostage just because the
  person hasnt paid you.
• If the patient wants them released, you have to
  comply.