Access to Confidential Records
In order for BBBS of
the Central Blue Ridge, Inc. to provide a responsible and professional service to clients,
participants will be asked to divulge extensive personal information about themselves and their families. The agency
respects the confidentiality of client and volunteer records, and with the exception of situations listed below, shares
information about clients and volunteers
only among the agency professional staff. The right to confidentiality applies
not only to written records, but also to video, film, pictures or use of
client or volunteer's name in agency
publications.
All records are considered the property of
the agency and not the agency workers, clients or volunteers
themselves. In order to provide a service which is in the best interest of the
children served
by the program, information from outside sources, including confidential
references, must be assessed, along with information gained from the clients or
volunteers themselves. Records are not available for review by the clients or
volunteers and reasons for non-acceptance into the program will not be
provided due to confidentiality issues. Clients and volunteers shall be provided a copy of this statement on
confidentiality, along with the exceptions which define the limits of
confidentiality, at the time of application.
Limits of Confidentiality1. Information will be released to other individuals or
organizations only upon presentation of an
authorized "consent to release information" form appropriately signed
by the client or volunteer.
2. Identifying
information regarding clients and volunteers may be used in agency publications
or promotional materials if the client or volunteer has given permission.
3. For purposes of
program evaluation, audit, or accreditation, and with the prior approval of the
Board of Directors, certain outside bodies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of
America may
have access to client and volunteer records. These outside organizations shall
be required to respect the
agency policy on confidentiality. Outside parties shall be required to use information only for the purpose(s) stated in
the approval action of the Board of Directors.
4. Known violations of
agency confidentiality policy will be reported to the supervisor of the
individual involved and appropriate disciplinary action shall be requested.
5. Members of the Board
of Directors have access to client files only upon authorization by formal motion of the
Board of Directors. The motion shall state who shall be authorized to review records, the
specific purpose for such review and the period of time during which access shall be
granted. Members shall be required to comply with the agency policies on confidentiality and
may use the information only for purposes stated by the approved action of the Board of
Directors. Known violations shall be reported to the Board President. A violation of the
agency's confidentiality policy by a Board Member shall constitute adequate
cause for removal from office.
6. Information shall
only be provided to law enforcement officials or the courts pursuant to a valid and enforceable
subpoena.
7. Information shall be
provided to an agency's legal counsel, Board President, and the agency insurance carrier in
the event of litigation or potential litigation involving the agency. Such
information is considered privileged information, and its confidentiality is
protected by law.
8. State law mandates
that suspected child abuse be reported to the appropriate authorities (VA Dept. of Social
Services-Child Protective Services Unit). All workers are responsible for
staying abreast of such reporting requirements of their respective jurisdiction
and shall always comply with mandated procedures.
9. If any agency worker
receives information indicating that a client or volunteer may be dangerous to
himself or herself or to others, necessary steps may be taken to protect the
appropriate party. This may include medical referral or a report to the local
law enforcement authorities.