Client Confidentiality and Sharing of  Information

• Client Expectation of Privacy: Temporary care facilities shall comply with all federal and state laws and regulations governing the confidentiality of information regarding AIDS/HIV status and medical, substance abuse or mental health history, referral or treatment. Clients may expect a reasonable degree of privacy with regard to information not otherwise protected from disclosure by federal or state laws and regulations that is shared with the temporary care facility staff members.
• Personal Mail and Telephone Calls: Temporary care facilities shall respect the privacy of a client's personal mail and telephone calls.
• Exceptions to Client Confidentiality: Client information may be subject to disclosure as provided by law including investigation by law enforcement, probation officers, and HRS protective services related to minors or the elderly, subject to any limitations on disclosure set forth in state or federal law, including those laws protecting the confidentiality of information regarding AIDS/HIV status and medical, substance abuse or mental health history, referral or treatment.
• Sharing of Client Information: Sharing of client information with other providers to whom the client may be referred is necessary to ensure effective provision of services, continuity in care, and efficient use of Continuum resources. The necessity of sharing information with other providers shall be explained to the client. Client information shall only be shared upon the client's written consent.