As an SMH client your information is confidential. Only legitimate authorized users are allowed access to your information. Access is based on a need to know. Typically all disclosures of information outside SMH are based on consents and authorizations obtained from the client or on uses permitted in federal and state laws. For example, the state and federal laws permit reporting of suspected child abuse and crimes committed by clients on the premises. The Agency may also release information in order to help a caregiver provide you with emergency treatment. In each of these instances the information disclosures is limited to what is needed in that situation.
SMH maintains a confidential clinical record of the services it provides to you. The record typically contains an initial assessment, a treatment plan, progress notes and other information related to the services you recieve. The record, or information in the record, is used:
To plan and track your care.
To notify you of appointments and coordination of services.
To document services for payment of care.
To communicate between the professionals who provide care.
To support regular clinical service operations.
To educate care professionals.
As a data source for organizational planning and management.
As a tool to continually assess and improve care.
To verify the quality of services to managed care, licensing and accrediting bodies.
The clinical record is the physical property of SMH, however, you may:
Request access to your record and review your record.
Request copies of your record or specific reports from your record.
Ammend your record.
Authorize sharing or disclosures of information sent outside SMH except those made to carry out treatment, obtain payment for services or provide for clinical service operations.
Obtain an accounting of disclosures of information sent outside SMH except thse disclosures made to carry out treatment, obtain payment for services ot provide for clinical service operations.
Request a restriction on certain uses and disclosures of your information.
SMH applies privacy and confidentiality standards of practice to creating and maintaining clinical records related to client care. SMH is guided by state and federal law in its information practices. Policies and procedures which are revised periodically, also guide SMH actions. If for any reasons we are not able to accomodate you request in regard to clinical information we will notify you. As the Notice of Information Practices changes it will be updated, posted in a public location and revised in the Client Handbook. You may always obtain a current Notice of Information Practices.
Outside organization or individuals that provide services to SMH are required by written agreement to protect client confidentiality.
We will not disclose or use your clinical information without your authorization except as described in this notice or provided by law.
For More Information
If you have questions and would like additional information, you may contact the Healthcare Information Manager at SMH.
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Healthcare Information Manager at SMH or with the secretary of Health and Human Services. There will be no retaliation for filing a complaint.
Effective Date: 11/1/02
References: HIPAA Privacy Regulations, 42CFR Part 2, RCW 70.02.70.24, 71.05, WAC 388-865,388-805
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