The Carter Clinic has a clear policy to protect your confidentiality. We are required by law to protect all confidential consumer information and Protected Health Information PHI, and adhere to all guidelines to protect consumer information as listed in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act HIPAA of 1996. You have a right to confidentiality and you may report any violations of confidentiality to Disability Rights of North Carolina at 1-877-235-4210 or Office for Civil Rights, US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-404-562-7886
Written Consent Required To Release Information: Only records or information, with appropriate written consent by the consumer, may be released with identified parties. The release must specify who may send or release information, as well what specific information may be released. The written release is valid for one year, but may be revoked at any time. If you sign a release of information, you are entitled to receive a copy of the signed release. Also, we may only release information that was generated by The Carter Clinic. For example, if you provided a release for us to receive specific records from another agency, we are not permitted to release those records to other parties. You will need to contact that agency if you need those records released.
The Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization LME/MCO is responsible for oversight of mental health services. Basic information such as progress on goals, demographic information, and diagnostic information may be given to the Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization for review and authorization of services.
Access to Medical Records: Consumers, guardians, or legal representatives have a right to have access to medical records. While the actual record is property of The Carter Clinic, you may request to review all or part of the record. You if choose to review the records, you must sign a written release and you may set an appointment with a supervisor to review your records. Only records generated by The Carter Clinic may be released. If you request copies of all or part of the record, a small fee may be charged not to exceed $35.00 for administrative costs.
Retention and Destruction of Records: The Carter Clinic retains all medical records for five 5 years in a secure location. if records have been involved in legal proceedings, records are maintained for seven 7 years.
Limits of Confidentiality: The Carter Clinic is required to report incidents or suspected incidents of abuse of a child, disabled person, or elder person to local officials. If a consumer reports a plan to harm another individual, local law enforcement and that potential victim may be contacted to ensure safety. Additionally, if there is a psychiatric or medical emergency, The Carter Clinic may release information to emergency personnel to assist in coordination of emergency services.
If you have any questions regarding confidentiality, our policies to protect your information, or processes to file a grievance, please feel free to contact The Carter Clinic at 919 848-0132.