It is the policy of Family Promise of Southwestern Pennsylvania to protect the privacy of our clients and their families. We do this not only to comply with any applicable state and federal privacy laws, but also to promote an atmosphere of professionalism and trust. Unwarranted disclosure of confidential information can damage our relationship with clients and make it more difficult for us to help them. Therefore, no employee, volunteer or Board member may share confidential information about our clients or former clients with anyone outside of the agency without proper authorization.
For the purposes of this policy, “confidential information” includes but is not limited to clients’ names, case histories, financial records, health records, legal documents, photographs, oral statements and other personal data maintained by Family Promise SWPA in the form of notes, files, computer records, or similar materials. General information, policy statements or statistical data that is not identified with any individual or family is not confidential. “Proper authorization” means written consent from the client or by direction of a supervisor.
Staff members are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of information relating to other staff members and volunteers in addition to clients.
Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary consequences up to and including termination of employment or service. Violation of state and federal laws regarding confidentiality of records may result in criminal penalties and/or civil liability.
Nothing in this policy is intended to prevent an employee, volunteer, or Board member from reporting a crime or child abuse or neglect to appropriate state and law enforcement agencies.
Do’s and Don’ts of Client Confidentiality
- Do talk about Family Promise’s programs and activities as well as your role in the organization, but do not disclose
clients’ names or talk about them in ways that could make their identity known to people outside Family Promise. - Do not reveal to people outside of Family Promise that an individual is or has been a recipient of services unless the
client has given permission to do so. - Do obtain proper authorization from clients to share confidential information with outside parties in order to assist
clients with achieving their case plan goals. - Do ask a supervisor for clarification if you are unsure about the confidential nature of specific information.
- Do not remove any confidential information about clients maintained by Family Promise from the organization’s
premises without prior authorization from Family Promise.
Adopted by the Family Promise of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Board of Directors, July 11, 2017