CONFIDENTIALITY: GENERAL PROVISIONS

CONFIDENTIALITY: GENERAL PROVISIONS

POLICY    The Ship Group Community Services shall take control over confidential information by using affirmative measures to safeguard all confidential information.

Confidential information of The Ship Group Community Services may not be released or disclosed except in accordance with GS 122C-51 through 122C-56 and the rules in this Subchapter. Confidential information regarding substance abusers shall be released or disclosed in accordance with the federal regulations 42 CFR Part 2, Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records, which are adopted by reference pursuant to GS 150B-14(c), unless the rules in this Subchapter are more restrictive in which case the rules in this Subchapter shall be followed.

Confidential information regarding infants and toddlers receiving early intervention services who have or who are at risk for atypical development, developmental delay or developmental disability shall be released or disclosed in accordance with the federal regulations 34 CFR Part 300, Subpart E, Sections 300.560 through 300.575, which are adopted by reference pursuant to GS 150B-14(c), unless the rules in this Subchapter are more restrictive in which case the rules in this Subchapter shall be followed.

Questions regarding interpretation of these Rules shall be directed to the Client Records Consultant in the Institution Management Support Section of the Division.

LIABILITY OF PERSONS WITH ACCESS TO CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Individuals employed with The Ship Group Community Services and employees governed by the State Personnel Act, GS Chapter 126, are subject to suspension, dismissal or disciplinary action for failure to comply with the rules in this Subchapter.

Individuals, other than employees but including students and volunteers, who are agents of the Department of Health and Human Services who have access to confidential information in The Ship Group Community Services Care service areas who fail to comply with the rules in this Subchapter shall be denied access to confidential information by the agency.

Volunteers will assist with services such as serving as community liaisons, providing facility tours, and assistance with special events/projects. Volunteers will be directly supervised by the qualified professional or other appropriate designee by the Program Director. Volunteers will be held to the same level of accountability in the area of maintaining client confidentiality as employees.