Confidentiality and Releasing of Protected Health Information
Your privacy is important to me. All protected health information (PHI) will be kept confidential. In most cases I will obtain your consent prior to releasing any PHI; however, records and/or PHI may be released regardless of consent in the following circumstances:
Danger to Self
We may contact family/friends or call 911 if patients are threatening to harm themselves.
Danger to Others
Patients threatening to seriously harm another person may compel us to contact the potential victim and/or police as we have a responsibility to protect the potential victim.
Abuse
According to state and local laws, I must report to the appropriate agencies all cases of physical and sexual abuse or neglect of minors (children under the age of 18), the disabled, and the elderly.
Court Order
If you become involved in specific kinds of legal proceedings, the courts may subpoena information concerning your treatment.
Consent to Release PHI
You or your legal guardian will be asked to sign a form granting us permission to release your PHI. This form will need to be signed before records can be released to your attorney, insurance company, other doctors/therapists, school, etc.
Important Note: Once your medical records leave our premises, we cannot be held responsible for their mishandling.