PRIVACY POLICY & CONFIDENTIALITY
Policy
The “RH/LSI” will respect the privacy of each individual who seeks services. Identifying information will be used for statistical purposes only, unless previously approved by the individual or in the event of an emergency.
Rationale
The “RH/LSI” respects the right of every person, housed or unhoused, to have privacy. The “RH/LSI” also understands funders need statistical information in order to provide financial assistance. Therefore, all information which may serve to identify a specific individual will be treated as confidential information, unless previously released by the individual.
Implementation
1. Non—identifying demographic information will be provided to funders with or without the individual's permission.
2. Other information will be released after the individual has written permission. The “RH/LSI” will request that all individuals sign a general release of information upon their admission. The release will merely enable “RH/LSI” staff to use the information to obtain services for the individual. It will not permit the “RH/LSI” to release the information to other individuals.
3. In an emergency, the “RH/LSI” will provide any information needed by medical personnel to treat an individual.
4. If the police, the sheriff's department, or another enforcement agency needs information on an individual suspected of committing a crime, the “RH/LSI” will cooperate with these agencies so that a greater measure of safety is afforded to the other residents of the “RH/LSI.”
5. The “RH/LSI” has a secure storage space for confidential documents relating to clients and personnel located in the office.