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The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of
1996 regulates the privacy and security of health information.
Coastal Care is required to protect the health information
of its clients and will not use or disclose information without written consent
except as described in the privacy policies.
Policies:
Minimum Necessary Rule
Coastal Care personnel request and disclose the minimum amount of personal
health information (PHI) necessary to perform their job functions.
Disclosure of Information
It is generally acceptable to disclose information to family
members/caregivers unless the client has specifically requested their PHI remain
restricted. Information must be relevant to the involvement of the family
member/caregiver in the client's plan of care.
When speaking on the telephone Coastal Care must assure
that the family member/caregiver is entitled to the information.
If the client is present at the time of the disclosure,
permission should be verified at that time.
Any PHI disclosed is held to the minimum necessary
standards.
Faxing should be limited to non-routine information
whenever possible. Recipients are notified and fax numbers verified prior to
transmission.
Privacy Information Policies
The following is a summary of the client's rights and
Coastal Care's responsibilities regarding personal health information.
Clients Rights
Clients of Coastal Care have the right to:
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Obtain a copy of their personal health information
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Correct or update and discrepancies
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Request to limit the use or disclosure of information
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Receive a written copy of these policies
Coastal Care Responsibilities
Coastal Care may use or disclose personal health
information to:
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Formulate and implement a plan of care
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Communicate with caregivers and/or family members
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Comply with federal, state or local law enforcement
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The Food and Drug Administration relative to an adverse
food or drug event
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The Department of Public Health or other authority
responsible for the prevention and control of disease
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Worker's Compensation as allowed by the law
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