Confidentiality and Privacy

Clients have the right to personal privacy and confidentiality of their personal and clinical records. As a caregiver, you may come to know very private and confidential information about the client. It is your responsibility to protect the client’s privacy and keep their personal and confidential information safe.

Protecting Client Privacy

There are several ways you can protect a client’s right to privacy. Some examples include:

• knocking and waiting to be invited before entering a client’s room;
• making sure the client is not exposed to public view during personal care;
• not taking pictures, videos, or recordings of clients; and
• making sure the client has privacy during communication (e.g. visits, meetings, telephone, and mail).

Keeping Information Confidential

Clients have the right to keep their clinical and personal records confidential. This includes information about living arrangements, medical treatment, finances, and personal care. All care team members must follow confidentiality laws and professional ethics when discussing clients. Protecting a client’s right to privacy and confidentiality is the basis of your professional relationship. When you need to share confidential information with other care team members, make sure you:

• share only what is needed and what is in the best interest of the client;
• do not gossip;
• do not have the discussion in a public area where others may overhear.

You may not share confidential information with others outside of the care team without written permission from the client. If someone outside the care team asks you to share confidential information, suggest they ask the client. If the person keeps asking you, explain that you cannot talk about the client’s private affairs. Never talk about a client outside of work even if you do not use their name. Even casual conversations can jeopardize a client’s privacy.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

HIPAA is a federal law that regulates the use and disclosure of health information. This law protects a person’s health information while making it accessible to their health care providers. Your employer will review with you what you need to know about HIPAA regulations for your job.

Interpreters and Translations

Clients have the right to interpreter/translation services at no cost and without significant delay.