HIPAA Policy/Client Confidentiality

   The Aliveness Project will maintain your personal and demographic information in a confidential manner. Access to information about the services you receive will be limited to The Aliveness Project staff and to others for whom you have provided written consent to share or discuss your information. You will not be identified or identifiable in any written reports or publications without your written consent. Consent for The Aliveness Project staff to communicate with other staff is automatic if you choose to become a member at The Aliveness Project and staff will ensure those communications stay private.

   By agreeing to participate in programs at The Aliveness Project, you agree to provide information at the time of enrollment and periodically thereafter that will assist in data collection, assessment, and funding for services. For these purposes, personally-identifiable information will be provided to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in accordance with contract agreements; however, The Aliveness Project and MDH will maintain your confidentiality as outlined below at all times. The goal of this is to make it easier for you to access additional services. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and Hennepin County Ryan White Program will receive aggregate or group data only. The HIV/AIDS Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resource and Service Administration (HRSA) does receive encrypted client level data that does not identify you by name or include any other identifying personal information. The data collected and reported to our funders is used to identify the services that individuals living with HIV/AIDS need and use, identify barriers to those services and unmet needs, and evaluate future funding needs.

The Aliveness Project may also be required by state laws and regulations to release information about you in the following circumstances:
   -If there is a subpoena or a court order mandating us to release your       records for use in a court proceeding.
-If you are threatening to harm another person and you have stated both the identity of the person and the means by which you plan to harm that individual.
-If you are threatening to seriously harm yourself and have identified a means by which you plan to do so.
-If you are threatening to commit a serious crime or are suspected of committing a serious crime.
-If it is suspected that you are being maltreated by a caregiver or are not able to protect yourself from maltreatment.
-If there is a reason to believe you are abusing or neglecting a child or vulnerable adult.

New Hires & Case Management Clients

The Aliveness Project will follow the "Best Practices" when hiring personnel to be case managers or other service providers that work with confidential, data-sensitive information. Members who were or are currently case managed by an Aliveness medical case manager, worked with Outreach and Prevention, or a nutritionist cannot become employees of those programs prior to at least one year separation from those services or at the discretion of the Executive Director. Current members that are employees cannot be case managed or receive other services in a data-sensitive category at The Aliveness Project or have access to the Personal Medical Information of other clients. Anyone already in a dual-role position at the date of this policy was enacted (03/27/2014) will be exempt from this policy.

Client Bill of Rights

Any client/member of The Aliveness Project is entitled to the following rights:
The right to treatment with dignity and respect in a nonjudgmental manner, regardless of HIV status, race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, country of origin, or physical/mental disability.

The right to keep one's HIV status and other personal information confidential, information will be withheld from all inquirers, including family members, spouse/partner, friends, medical providers, or law enforcement personnel except in cases of life-threatening situations, child abuse, or with the written request of the client.

The right to receive services whether or not a member is currently receiving medical care for HIV/AIDS.

The right not refuse or discontinue services at any time for any reason. This includes the right to inspect all client-specific documents, including intake forms, assessment forms, case notes, and other other documents pertaining to the client only.

The right to information pertaining to the grievance and appeals process in the event that a member has a dispute with a staff person or service provider of The Aliveness Project.

The right to be protected from sexual, verbal, and/or physical harassment from staff or other service providers.

The right to be protected from discharge from membership without due cause, notice and/or process.

The right to receive interpretation/translation services (for client with limited English proficiency or hearing impairment) if no staff speaks the client's language or the client has not arranged for an interpreter.

Non-discrimination Policy

It is the policy of The Aliveness Project that services will be provided to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of HIV status, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any basis prohibited by law.

Grievance Policy

You have the right to file a grievance if you feel you have been treated unfairly in any way. You will suffer no repercussion in service delivery solely as a result of filing a grievance. All grievances will be addressed in a confidential manner.

If you have a grievance, you should first discuss it with the staff person with whom you are working. If this is not successful or if you feel that this is not an option, you should proceed with the following steps:
-A written statement may be prepared (including date and time of incident) of the grievance. If you prefer, a grievance may be communicated verbally.
-Submit the grievance to the staff person's supervisor. An appointment will be scheduled for you to meet with the supervisor to resolve your grievance. If the matter cannot be mediated, your grievance may be referred to the Executive Director for final resolution.

Grievances will receive prompt attention. Every effort will be made to address and resolve grievances within ten (10) business days. Written correspondences can be mailed or delivered to 3808 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55409.

Client’s Consent for Services: I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above information and agree to receive services provided by The Aliveness Project under the conditions stated above. I may, without consequence, withdraw my participation from this organization’s services at any time. I may request and receive a copy of this signed consent form at any time. Any and all copies of this document are to be considered as binding as the original.

Aliveness Project Community Agreements

All members of our community -including staff, volunteers, and guests- are expected to uphold these agreements.

· I will be respectful to everybody. Verbal abuse, sexual harassment, or physical threats under any circumstances are not permitted. Discriminatory and hateful slurs or insults are not tolerated.

· I will not disclose anyone’s HIV status. Breaching confidentiality by revealing the HIV status of a member or person seen at The Aliveness Project is prohibited.

· I will not film or photograph others without explicit consent. Live video calls are not allowed to protect everyones privacy.

· I will not engage in violent or abusive behavior; our community does not tolerate violence of any kind. If you are having difficulties with anybody, seek help from staff. You may be asked to leave even if someone else started it. Weapons of any kind are banned.

· No solicitations. Ask the front desk staff to help put pamphlets and flyers on the bulletin boards.

· Respect professional boundaries with staff, volunteers, and other members—that means no flirting or commenting on someone’s appearance, no personal questions or comments, and no asking for someone’s personal contact information.

· No pornography viewing on Aliveness property. The Aliveness space is for services across many ages and 18+ content is not appropriate here. Use of 18+ content is for when you are by yourself in a private place.

· Do not engage in theft or destruction of property at Aliveness. The removal of any items belonging to The Aliveness Project without explicit permission from staff is prohibited.

· I will not drink alcohol, smoke marijuana, or use illicit drugs on Aliveness property (including parking lot, sidewalk, and anywhere outside the premises).

· Sleeping is only permitted in lobby chairs.

· Please smoke 30ft away from the building to be respectful to other members with respiratory issues.

· Do not litter on Aliveness property or on our neighbor’s property. Keep the space nice for yourself and others.

·I am responsible for my guests’ behaviors and ensuring they follow these community agreements. Program services are limited to use by members only and members may get 4 guest meal passes a month (at front desk).

· I am responsible for my personal items; Aliveness is not liable for lost or stolen items. Personal items may not be left or stored at The Aliveness Project.

· I will leave at close (4 p.m.) Repeatedly leaving the building late will lead to a verbal warning or suspension if continued. If the behavior continues it will lead to suspension from services.

· According to health code standards, only staff and volunteers are permitted in the kitchen areas. Shoes and clothing must be worn throughout the building. Only registered service animals are permitted in the dining room.

· Keep appointments and arrive on time, to the best of your ability. Emergencies happen, but repeatedly failing to give adequate notice regarding missed appointments may result in suspension from those specific services.

          Any staff member may ask a member to leave for the day if the behaviors listed above occur.

          Members who violate these agreements are subject to having their membership suspended. Repeat violations of these agreements may result in longer or more severe suspensions from services.

          Removal of Membership: Suspensions of more than thirty days are deemed grounds for removal/permanent suspension from services. Removal requires a two-thirds vote of the current Membership Advisory Committee (MAC). After removal, a person may reapply for membership after one year from the date of the vote. A two-thirds vote from the MAC will be required to regain membership.

          If you have been asked to leave for the day unfairly, or would like to contest a suspension, you may file a grievance through the front desk, reach out to Member Experiences, or reach out to the MAC (Membership Advisory Committee).

          Members are responsible for staying up to date with policies and the agreements within the Aliveness space. If you would like to check updates please review our website, ask the front desk, or check-in with Member Eligibility and Records. Membership and access to services at The Aliveness Project are a privilege. We expect members, staff, and volunteers to behave in an appropriate manner while in our building. Any Aliveness Project employees who violate these agreements may be subject to suspension without pay or immediate dismissal. The Aliveness Project’s staff and Board of Directors reserve the right to amend these agreements when necessary. Members have the right to expect that the changes will be posted within the building.

Membership Requirements:

   The Aliveness Project is a nonprofit organization with services provided by staff and volunteers. All services are free to members.

    Requirements are that a person is living with HIV in the state of Minnesota (or additional select counties).

   All people who use services provided by The Aliveness Project do so by choice and with the understanding that The Aliveness Project and its staff and volunteers assume no liability in conjunction with services and programs.

   Members and guests are expected to adhere to the guidelines stated on the last page of this application. Membership and services provided are a privilege. We expect members and any guests to behave in an appropriate, respectful manner while at The Aliveness Project. Members who violate these guidelines are subject to suspension of their membership and certain services.

   By completeing membership you acknowldege that there will be times the Aliveness Project may report or upload your information on your behalf to the Minnesota Department of Human Services. This is due to our state requirements and keeps services free and accessible to you. All information reported or uploaded in this way is kept strictly confidential. If you would prefer to compelete the paperwork yourself, for any reason, there is a section in the application that allows you to opt out, should you so choose.

Keep an eye on your email!

Once you hit submit we will get back to you about your Membership or next steps for your application in 48 business hours or less.

If you did not provide an email we will use your other contact preferences noted in the Membership Applicaiton to reach out.

If you have questions or would like to check the status of your application, please reach out to CK in Data and Records at ckfellman@aliveness.org!