CONSENT, ASSENT, PRIVACY, AUTHORIZATION, AND QUESTIONNAIRE
- CONSENT - Treatment begins with beginning the informed consent process. For children, pre-teens, and teens, treatment requires the consent of all legal guardians. Parents are provided with an informed consent process regarding their role as "collateral contacts."
- ASSENT - Teens (13-18) are given the opportunity to assent to treatment via an assent form. Through this process, teens may enter into the therapy experience with a clear understanding of the limits of confidentiality.
- PRIVACY - Although I provide a great deal of transparency and information to parents, I also ask that they agree to offer children and teens a "zone of privacy" for the therapy sessions.
- AUTHORIZATION - Typically, in order for me to exchange information regarding patients with primary care physicians, pediatricians, schools, hospitals, psychiatrists, or others who may coordinate care, I must first be authorized.
- QUESTIONNAIRE - To save time during your introductory session, beforehand, you will complete a questionnaire that outlines the patient's medical / mental health history. It includes the reason for reason for referral, developmental history, family history, and more.
Protected Health Information (PHI) and HIPAA
"Privacy" pertains to your right to decide what is shared with or withheld from others. "Protected health information (PHI)" is individually identifiable health information. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) relates, in part, to the authorized versus unauthorized use, sharing, examination, release, and transfer of such PHI. HIPAA is concerned with security measures and policies related to PHI.
Click here to view my HIPAA Notice.
Click here to view my HIPAA Notice.
CONFIDENTIALITY, PRIVILEGE, AND CONSENT
“Confidentiality” is my obligation to respect your privacy. "Confidential communications" include any information acquired or revealed in the course of, or in connection with, the provision of psychological services. There are limits to confidentiality, outlined in Massachusetts Law, are also noted in my Patient-Psychologist contracts.
"Privilege" is a legal term and refers to what can be shared in court proceedings, preliminary proceedings, and legislative and administrative proceedings. It refers to a patient’s right to refuse to disclose and preventing a witness from disclosing any therapy-related communications. There are exceptions to privilege. These exceptions, outlined by Massachusetts Law, are also noted in my Patient-Psychologist Contracts.
"Privilege" is a legal term and refers to what can be shared in court proceedings, preliminary proceedings, and legislative and administrative proceedings. It refers to a patient’s right to refuse to disclose and preventing a witness from disclosing any therapy-related communications. There are exceptions to privilege. These exceptions, outlined by Massachusetts Law, are also noted in my Patient-Psychologist Contracts.
Mandated Reporting and Communication Policy
Sometimes, at intake, patients and parents have questions about the process involved with mandated reporting of suspected child abuse, elder abuse, and abuse of a disabled person.
Click the below links to learn more about the process involved with Mandated Reporting and my policy surrounding Communication.
Click the below links to learn more about the process involved with Mandated Reporting and my policy surrounding Communication.
References
- Massachusetts General Laws (see Massachusetts General Laws 19A, 19C, 112, 119, 123, 233)
- Ethics of Profession
- Privacy
- HIPPA Regulations
- Confidentiality and Adolescent Treatment
I hope the information I provide demystifies the process a bit.