CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS POLICY
Confidentiality of client identity and client information is protected by Federal Law 42 USC 290dd — 3(e) and 42 USC 290ee — 3(e) and by the Federal Register, 42CFR Part 2, Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, confidentiality of client information is necessary to allow the client to receive maximum benefit from treatment.

1. All records containing client information shall be kept in a locked, secure metal file cabinet that is safe and easily accessible to authorized staff.
   
   
2. Client admission or non-admission may not be verified to anyone without a signed release from the client, or a properly executed court order.
   
   
3. No information on client progress in treatment may be released without a signed release from the client or a properly executed court order.
   

Under the following circumstances, information may be released without the client's authorization:

1. To medical personnel to meet a life threatening medical emergency. The responsible staff member shall document the disclosure in writing in the client record.
   

   a)	The name of medical personnel to whom the disclosure was made and their affiliation with any health care facility
   b)	The name of the individual making the disclosure.
   c)	The date and time of the disclosure
   d)	The nature of the emergency.

   
   
2. To authorized and qualified personnel conducting scientific research, management audits, financial audits, and program evaluations, providing the client identity is not disclosed in any resulting reports. In clinical trials involving direct research on the client, a consent to undergo such experimentation and/or research will be obtained.
   
   
3. To Child Protective Services in the event of reported child abuse.
   
   
4. In the event that a crime or act of violence is committed against any staff member or the agency itself.