HIPAA

Your health information is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 that mandated changes in federal regulations governing the provision of health benefits, delivery and payment of health care services and security and confidentiality of patient health information. The federal Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) oversees the implementation of these regulations, including rules regarding patient privacy that were effective April 14, 2003.

The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.