Objective: Examine best practices, pertinent legislation, ethical and professional issues associated with case management services.

Confidentiality is one of the cornerstones of case management practice. The case manager is an advocate for the client and will be interacting on their behalf with other professionals, agencies, and constituents. Each client has the right to privacy. Their records must be kept secure, and regulations must be followed to ensure privacy. The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPPA) of 1996 upholds the legal obligation to ensure confidentiality. All clients’ information must be kept confidential.

However, many case workers work with individuals that may have unique vulnerabilities because they have been diagnosed with illnesses/disabilities (both physical & mental), addictions, documented abuse (either the victim or the abuser), involved in the child welfare system, elderly/veteran/homeless populations, involved in the criminal justice or penal system, individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, or have alternative sexual orientations. These special populations may be especially vulnerable to discrimination or abuse; therefore, confidentiality is of utmost importance.

Consent is another important topic that relates to confidentiality. Since case workers are working on behalf of their clients and may need to collaborate with others to provide appropriate services, the client must provide written consent for the case manager to share their records or discuss their treatment plan. Confidentiality is to be upheld by all parties who are working on behalf of the clients’ best interest – this includes any third parties who may be involved in the treatment plan.

Confidentiality and consent should both be discussed during the initial meeting with the case manager and client. Before work can begin on their behalf, the client must agree to the policies and provide written consent that they understand that their information may be shared to provide needed services. Clients can then make informed decisions about what will be shared with other parties/agencies. For those who may not be able to give consent (for example: individuals with intellectual disabilities), they will need someone who possesses legal authority, on their behalf, to make those decisions for them.

Instructions Through this week’s reading, you will gain a better understanding of the importance of confidentiality and following HIPPA rules.

• Read Chapter 2 Overview of Case Management Practice (specifically pp.17-19) 
• Read Summary of the HIPPA security rule
• Watch HIPAA Training: What is required for HIPAA compliance?
• In your initial post, share 1-2 items that you learned this week, discuss how previous assumptions have been challenged, note 1-2 concerns about keeping clients’ records confidential, and provide one example of a population that you may work with and why your confidentiality is vital to their wellbeing and treatment outcomes.
  • Summarize your initial post with scripture that summarizes your thoughts about confidentiality & consent with respect to the wellbeing of clients.
• Be sure to cite sources in-text as well as a full APA citation at the end of the initial post. Refer to The Trailblazer Handbook if you need assistance citing references.

This is a "post-first" discussion. You will need to post your initial post in order to see peer posts.

Discussion Forums require you to post an initial post by mid-week (Day 4) and to post two replies to peers on two separate days by the end of the week (Day 7). You are also encouraged to read and reply to your professor and peers who reply to your initial post.