Confidentiality and its Limits

Are there reasonable limits to confidentiality?

It is important for all people to understand that there are limits to confidentiality, both for those people seeking information or help from others and for those who respond to requests for information or help. The following guidelines are based on those of a number of professional associations:

Recognition of Confidentiality

• As a helper, you must respect the private, personal, and confidential nature of communication from the people you are in contact with. This means that you do not share personal information about a person unless you have their permission. In general a signed release is required, or a general disclaimer such as on this website that any and all submissions, including but not limited to - emails, poem or story bulletin board posts or chat room conversations - become the property of CrystalRecovery.com and RecoveryRoadMap.com. While we will strive to respect and uphold client confidentiality, we retain all rights to all information submitted to either website, or placed on forums controlled directly or indirectly by the CrystalRecovery.com and RecoveryRoadMap.com websites. We do not share personal information with third party advertisers – ever.

Upholding a Client’s Right to Confidentiality

• Additionally upholding a client’s right to confidentiality requires keeping their records (paper and electronic) in a safe and secure place.

Knowing when and to whom to Disclose Information

• You may disclose information (or break confidentiality) in the following situations:

• You have the client’s (or his or her legal representative’s) permission.

• The client is suicidal and you determine there is a clear danger of suicide.

• The client is homicidal or is threatening to engage in behaviors where significant danger to others is likely.

• The client is a child, and you have evidence to suggest that he or she is being sexually or physically abused or neglected.

• You have evidence to suggest the client is sexually or physically abusing a minor.

• You have evidence to suggest that elder abuse is occurring (either from working with an elderly client or because your client discloses information indicating he or she is abusing an elderly person).

• You have been ordered by the court to provide information.

Tell your Clients about the Limitations to Confidentiality

• Be sure to tell your client about the legal limits of confidentiality at the beginning of your initial session. Make sure you contact the appropriate professional association in situations where your ethical and legal responsibilities might be unclear.

There is more detailed information in the member's section.

click here to join today!