CONFIDENTIALITY AT-A-GLANCE

I. What’s the big deal?

Check out Penalties for Confidentiality & Records Violations

II. The Confidentiality Rule

Under Sec. 51.30, Stats. (exit DHFS; PDF - scroll to page 21), treatment information and records are confidential. In general, they can only be released to others with the informed written consent of the individual, if competent, or the guardian. The rule covers both verbal information and treatment records.

III. Exceptions

These are the exceptions to the rule above, where certain, specific people or entities may access certain information and/or records for certain purposes without the individual’s or guardian’s written consent. 27 specific exceptions are listed in the Confidentiality handout (PDF, 66 KB).

• The "Need to Know" Standard
  The principle of preserving confidentiality requires that disclosures between staff members are limited to the extent of the "need to know" of the person(s) the information is disclosed to. This means that you may disclose only that information which the receiver needs to know in order to perform their duties in relation to the individual. The only exceptions are where the statute specifies the information someone is entitled to or when the individual consents.

IV. Patient Access to Treatment Information / Records During Treatment

The individual must have access at any time to their records of all medications and health related treatment. However, during treatment, the facility director may restrict access to any other treatment records. To limit or deny access to records during treatment, there must be reason to believe that the benefits of allowing access to the individual are outweighed by the disadvantages of allowing access. Reasons for any such restriction must be entered into the individual’s treatment record.

V. Written Informed Consent for release of information

Informed consent must be in writing and must be voluntarily given by an individual who is "substantially able to understand all information specified on the consent form". The form must contain certain data. (For state staff, department consent forms that meet all legal standards are available.)

1. Right to copies of disclosed information
   The informed consent document must also include a statement of the individual’s right to copies of disclosed information under HFS 92.05 and HFS 92.06, Wis. Admin Code.

2. Refusing or Withdrawing Consent
   The individual may refuse to consent or may withdraw consent at any time. If this occurs, an agency can no longer access the information (unless covered by one of the exceptions).

VI. AODA Records / HIV/AIDS Issues

These areas of treatment have special features and particularly stringent standards. Please ask for qualified assistance when applying state/ federal law to this area.

VII. When In Doubt -- Ask

The confidentiality rule is considered exceptional in its importance. Don’t guess! Read the "Confidentiality Explained" document and ask others when a question arises. A few moments on the telephone or by e-mail could save you a great deal of time and possible trouble, later.

(Document last updated: 3/04 by the Client Rights Office, DDES, Department of Health and Family Services)

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Last Updated: November 29, 2004