HIPPA

Real Life Site Specific HIPPA Situations 

Admin receive calls and emails from someone other than a client (18 years and older) requesting infomration with out a release of information signed on file.  

What to Say: "We can not confirm nor deny that someone is a client. To do that we would need a signed ROI on file. We'd happy to send you that form..."

1. • Parent/guardian of adults 18 years and older

   • Siblings of adults 18 years and older

   • Spouse calling on behalf of the client 

   • Assistant of a client

     • • Reasons they may call:

         • To cancel an appointment

         • To schedule an appointment

         • To ask about billing (someone other than the client may be paying for sessions but without a release of information we may not confirm nor deny anything). 

Potential HIPAA Mistake: 

1. Releasing information that is not listed on a signed Release of Information (ROI)

1. • Just because a Release of Information is signed on file,  does not mean any information can be shared with that contact. 

   • ONLY the specific information that is listed on the signed Release of Information can be shared with who is listed on the Release. 

   • A new Release of Information should be completed in the event that the client has requested something other than what was listed on the original Release be shared with who is listed on the release. 

   • Records will be released to whom the Release of Information was signed for, ensure the client they need to add the correct contact information, including a valid fax number not just a phone number. 

2. A client requests their own records to be released to them.

   • A signed Release of Information still needs to be completed when a client requests their own records.

HIPAA Violation

1. If a HIPAA violation Occurs - Inform Officer manager immediately

2. Complete HIPAA Incident Report Form

HIPAA Training

• As part of complying with the HIPAA Privacy regulations, everyone is required to take and complete a 1.5 hour HIPAA Awareness Training. This training provides an overview of the HIPAA Privacy regulations as well as information and guidelines on each person's responsibilities under HIPAA to keep information private and confidential. The training is self paced and provided in an online/web based format. 

  • Please click here and claim your seat for the HIPAA training. 

    • Username: claritycounseling 

    • Password: Lotusflower1437 

  • At the end of each training course there will be a final exam which each person will need to successfully pass. If you don't pass the first time, you can take it as many times as you need to pass. Also if you want to take the final exam again to get a higher score, feel free. Once you pass, you will enter your name on the certificate and then you will receive a PDF certificate immediately for saving or printing for your records. There is no need to send us a copy of the certificate as the system will also automatically send us a copy of your certificate for our records.

• Certificate is good for 2 years and training should be taken every 2 years. 

-Passwords are stored in HIPPA compliant app - Last Pass