AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT TO COLLECT AND RELEASE INFORMATION
I understand that Alachua County CoC Service Providers are part of the Bitfocus and Marion County CoC are part of Wellsky Network, designed to collect and share information to reduce the amount of time and effort it takes for me to obtain the requested services I need. CoC participating agencies have policies and procedures in place to protect confidential information. I authorize the agency providing a service to disclose to appropriate entities any information regarding my general condition, past and present, and/or information about other family members or other residents contained in the application concerning services provided to and/or requested by me and others I have listed on the application. This consent may be revoked by me or any other family member or resident, at any time except to the extent that action has been taken in reliance thereon. This consent unless expressly revoked earlier will expire four years from the date indicated below. I declare that the information I give is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Upon request, I will be provided a copy of the Full Privacy Notice. Further NHDC besides releasing information to CoC/Well Sky partner, with my permission as expressed by the signing of this Release may provide information including the intake form to other agencies not a part of WellSky. These other agencies/organizations to assist with the furtherance of assistance to me and/or my family.
KEYS TO HOME FL-508 CONTINUUM OF CARE (CoC) CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR ELECTRONIC DATA COLLECTION IN HOMELESS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (HMIS)
Agency Name: Neighborhood Hoursing & Development Corporation IMPORTANT: Non-victim service providers may enter clients who are receiving services from a domestic violence (DV) agency into HMIS, provided that:
1. The client is not receiving DV-related services from the non-victim service provider, and
2. The client has given informed, written consent to have their personally identifying information (PII) entered.
However, clients who do not consent, or who are currently fleeing or in danger from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, must not have PII entered into HMIS.
This agency is a partner in the Taskforce Fore Ending Homelessness, Inc. Keys to Home FL-508 Continuum of Care (CoC) HMIS. CoC HMIS partner agencies work together to provide services to persons and families who are experiencing homelessness. When you request or receive services, we may collect data about you and your household that may be shared with other CoC HMIS partner agencies. Sharing your data allows service providers to see if they have housing services that fit your needs and for the purpose of ensuring effective coordination of services. It does not guarantee that you will receive housing.
Who can have access to your information?
Agencies and/or organizations that participate in the HMIS Database can have access to your data. These agencies and/or organizations may include homeless service funders/providers, housing providers, healthcare providers, and governmental agencies. Additional agencies and/or organizations may join the Keys To Home FL-508 CoC HMIS at any time and will also have access to your data. The current list of agencies and/or organizations are listed in the attached Exhibit – A.
How will my data be protected?
Your information is protected by the federal HMIS Privacy Standards, is secured by passwords and encryption technology and the HMIS application incorporates industry standard security protocols and is updated regularly to meet these security standards. In addition, each participating organization has signed a Contributing HMIS Organization (CHO) agreement to maintain the security and confidentiality of the information. In some instances, when the participating organization is a health care organization, your information may be protected by the privacy standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
How do I benefit by providing the requested information and sharing it with other agencies?
By sharing your information with other agencies, you may be able to avoid being screened again, get services faster, and minimize how many times you have to tell your “story.” You also help agencies document the need for services and funding.
Client Informed Consent/Authorization for Release of Information (ROI)
· When you sign this form, it shows that you understand the following: We collect personal information about the people we serve in a computer system commonly known as Clarity and BitFocus (“BF ”). BF is used by agencies which provide homeless prevention, shelter and housing related services in the Keys To Home FL-508 CoC. Agencies using SP comply with all the requirements related to keeping your personal information private and secure.
· We use personal information to run our programs and help us improve our services. Also, we are required to collect some personal information by organizations that fund our program.
· Your information will help us get the appropriate services for you through our program(s) offered by other agencies.
· You agree to share Protected Personal information and general information obtained during your intake and assessment, which may include but is not limited to: name, date of birth, social security number, demographic information such gender and ethnicity/race, veteran status, residence information (history of homelessness and housing), marital status, household relationships, disability status, self-reporting medical history including any medical health and substance abuse issues, assessment date(s), income sources and amounts, non-cash benefits, case notes, services needed and provided, outcomes of services provided, emergency contact information, and your photo.
· This consent form expires three (3) years from the date of signature.
· You have the right to revoke this consent at any time by writing to this agency. However, the revocation will not be retroactive to any information that has already been released.
· You have a right to review the information that we have about you. If you find mistakes, you can ask us to correct them.
· You have the right to file a complaint if you feel that your privacy rights have been violated.
· This consent is voluntary. You will not be denied services if you refuse to sign this consent form.
· There is a risk of a security breach, and someone might obtain my information and use it inappropriately.
· If you would like a copy of our privacy policy, our agency staff will provide one.
I hereby attest that I have read and fully understand the information presented above. I acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification regarding any aspects I did not understand. By signing below, I confirm my agreement to the terms and conditions above:
Exhibit - A
Participating Agencies and/or Organizations:
· Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry | dba GRACE Marketplace
· Alachua County Board of County Commissioners| Alachua County Community Support Services
· Alachua County Housing Authority
· Catholic Charities - Gainesville
· Catholic Charities - Putnam
· CDS, Family & Behavioral Health Services, Inc.
· City of Gainesville – Fire Rescue
· Family Promise Gainesville
· Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.
· Neighborhood Housing Development Corporation
· PCSC | Heart of Putnam Service Center
· Putnam County Caring Coalition
· Release Reentry
· SFH | St. Francis House
· TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness, Inc. (CoC Lead)
· The Veteran Administration of Gainesville
· Volunteers of America | GPD Programs
· Volunteers of America | SSVF Programs