PATIENT HANDBOOK

Confidentiality

SOAR will comply with all state and Federal regulations, HIPAA 42 CFR PART 2 (June 9, 1987) and all state regulations governing confidentiality. When Federal and state requirements on this subject differ, SOAR will adhere to the stricter of the two regulations.

SOAR will not disclose any information identifying you unless:

• We are sharing necessary information among our staff;
• We are giving general information outside the clinic which cannot identify you as an individual;
• You give us written permission, with the following conditions:
• Any information released about you to individuals, organizations, employers and/or agencies, including spouse or partners, parents, children, friends, other patients, third party payers and the justice system will be done so only with you Prior Written consent.
• Federal regulation does not allow for verbal authorization or blanket consents.
• Forms utilized for the purpose of consent to release of information must be filed out appropriately and completely, and a copy offered to you. You will not be asked to sign a blank release.
• To release must identify to whom the information is being given, what specific parts of the record must be released, the reason for releasing the information, and the time period the release is valid.
• You may revoke a release at any time.
• When there is a medical emergency (this may include providing information about your dose level and dates if you are hospitalized or jailed):
• When a judge issues a specific written court order which identifies what parts of the record must be released;
• For research and audit purposes when specific information identifying you cannot be disclosed;
• We believe you have committed a crime on the clinic premises;
• You make statements and we suspect there has been child abuse and/or neglect.