Confidentiality Assurance

Client confidentiality is a critical aspect of EAP operations. UTEAP adheres to the federal guidelines that were promulgated jointly by the Special Action Office for Drug Abuse Prevention (SAODAP) and the Department of Health, Education and Welfare (DHEW) in 1975 regarding the confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records. While pertaining specifically to alcohol and drug abuse patient records, these guidelines have been adopted for all program clients.

Exceptions to the policy of nondisclosure are:

• when given a written authorization from the client
• if a legitimate medical emergency exists
• if required by state law (i.e. cases of confirmed or suspected child abuse)
• when compelled by a court order
• if the client is a minor or has been adjudicated incompetent to manage his personal affairs, especially if notification would significantly abate a threat to the life or physical well-being of the client or other individual
• when released for the purposes of audit, evaluation, or research and in such a manner that identities are protected.

Client records are considered highly confidential information. Certain client data is coded and stored in a computerized database. Hard copies of client records are secured in locked file cabinets.

Supervisors who refer employees to the program because of work related problems and call the EAP office before referring the employee are informed whether the employee made an appointment with the EAP and if he/she is following the treatment recommendations. Other information is communicated to the supervisor only upon written authorization from the employee.