Confidentiality

confidentiality

The cornerstone of Family Service PEI is confidentiality; protecting the privacy and dignity of all clients using our services.

Family Service PEI ensures that all individuals receiving service will be assured of this protection, unless otherwise mandated by law.

Family Service PEI employees, students, volunteers and contractors:

  • Are required to sign a commitment to maintain the confidentiality of all clients
  • Are expected to treat confidentiality policies as a matter of the highest priority
  • Are required to be proactive in ensuring the security of all documentation containing client information

Family Service PEI will only release information about a client if the client has voluntarily signed a release of confidential information form which specifies:

  • What information is to be released
  • Who is to receive the information
  • The period of time the authorization is in effect

Information about clients may be shared by workers within Family Service PEI in so much that the sharing is for the purpose of providing quality service to the client. Whenever possible, specific client names are omitted from the discussion. Information is never shared with professionals outside the organization without specific written permission as stated above.

Limitations on Client Rights:

  • Under the Child Protection Act – related to protecting children from neglect or abuse
  • Under the Mental Health Act – when there is reason to believe there is danger of harm to self or others
  • If compelled to testify by Court Order