Access to Confidential Records
In order for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks to provide a responsible and
professional service to clients, it is necessary for volunteers, clients and
parents or guardians of clients to be asked to divulge extensive personal
information about themselves and their families. The agency respects the
confidentiality of clients 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 any client or volunteer’s name in agency
publications.
All
records are considered the property of the agency and not the agency workers or
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 the information gained from the clients
or volunteers themselves. Records are
not available for review by the clients or volunteers. Clients and volunteers shall be provided, at
the time of application, a copy of this statement on confidentiality along with
the exceptions that define the limits of confidentiality. Clients and volunteers shall sign a statement
that he/she has to read and understand the agency policy on confidentiality and
agree to program participation under the guidelines it sets forth.
Limits of Confidentiality
1. 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 the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America may have access
to client and volunteer records. These
outside organizations shall be required to use the information only for the
purpose(s) stated in the approval action of the Board of Directors. Known violations of agency confidentiality
policy will be reported to the supervisor of the individual involved and
appropriate disciplinary action shall be requested.
4. 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 a review, and the period of time during which access shall be
granted. The member shall be required to
comply with the agency policies on confidentiality and may use the information
only for purposes stated by the approval 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.
5. Information shall only be provided to law
enforcement officials or the courts pursuant to a valid and enforceable
subpoena.
6. Information shall
be provided to an agency legal counsel in the event of litigation or potential
litigation involving the agency. Such
information is considered privileged information and law protects its
confidentiality.
7. State law mandates
that suspected child abuse be reported to the appropriate authorities
(designated state agency). All workers
are responsible for staying abreast of such reporting requirements of their
respective jurisdiction and shall always comply with mandated procedures.
8. 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 person. This may
include a medical referral or a report to local law enforcement authorities.
I have read and understand the above document which states
the agency policy with respect to confidentiality of client and volunteer
records. I agree to program
participation under the conditions it sets forth.
I agree to keep information discussed with me regarding a
potential (Big Brother/Sister, Little Brother/Sister) match confidential. I will not discuss this information with any
person other than the assigned professional staff of the Big Brother Big Sister
agency.
Regional Office: 1 Lawrence Street, Suite 1B, Glens Falls, NY 12801
(5I8) 798-1010 (fax) 518-509-9147
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