Confidentiality

What is confidentiality? “The ethical principle or legal right that a physician or other health professional will hold secret all information relating to a patient, unless the patient gives consent permitting disclosure” (American Heritage Medical Dictionary, 2007).

Cases where the therapist can break confidentiality:

• The client is a threat to himself/herself or others
• The client has an intent on acting on a suicide plan
• The therapist believes a child or disabled person is being abused

The HIPAA has the privacy rule about confidentiality. The Privacy Rule standards address the use and disclosure of individuals’ health information—called “protected health information” by organizations subject to the Privacy Rule — called “covered entities,” as well as standards for individuals’ privacy rights to understand and control how their health information is used (Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule).

Mainstream has Privacy Practices that include when it can share health records. This includes such reasons as making sure you receive good care or to prevent abuse and neglect. It also says that the client has a right to know with Whom We Shared Your Health Information. Sharing information for reasons not in the Privacy Practices requires your written permission.

Jennie Sitman, LPC, says, “I basically let them know that I have to let someone know if they’re being hurt or abused in order to help them. Also, if they have actual plans of wanting to hurt somebody and if I have to go to court, then I let them know that I don’t have to tell their parents every little thing but will encourage them to let their parents know something that I feel is very important for the parents to know. I let them know that in front of their parent to help them earn trust that I am not telling their parents everything they tell me. I also establish boundaries and get to know their boundaries as I share mine.”

^{Client Confidentiality. (2020, December 14). GoodTherapy.}

^{Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. (2022, October 19). U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.}

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NRV Spotlight

“The Children’s Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) of the NRV partners with families to create a nurturing home environment and promote the health and well-being of children.”

CHIP is a FREE program that is a part of New River Community Action (NRCA) and partners with local health and human services providers. This program can help families that meet the income guidelines and are expecting and/or have children under the age of 6 in the NRV. Their focus is to promote child wellness and improved health status, provide in-home case management to help income eligible families become healthy and self-sufficient, improve the quality of life for young children and families in need, and work with other programs to make our community healthier for families! 

They can help you:

• Obtain health insurance for your family
• Find doctors and dentists for you and your children
• Keep your children healthy
• Have a healthy pregnancy and know what to expect
• Learn how to be your childs first and most important teacher
• Make positive changes for you and your child’s future
• Better understand your children and their developmental needs
• Learn ways to have less stress in your life
• Connect you with community resources and services 

You can apply for CHIP services on the website through the online intake form , contact them at (540) 394-3255 or email at chipnrv2@nrcaa.org. 

You can find an informational pamphlet at our Dublin office on our resource bulletin board! For more information, click here!

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Birthdays

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