Confidentiality Policy Acknowledgement

 

Policy

Client's billing, utilization, clinical, and other administrative & service- related information and all information related to Arcus affairs are privileged and confidential.

Objective

• To guide staff in maintaining the right of individuals to confidentiality and privacy of information.
• To complement the Client and Family Records policy.
• To comply with the BCGEU and CSSEA Collective Agreement; and
• To inform BCGEU and non-BCGEU casual, full- and part-time employees about confidentiality rights and responsibilities owed to Arcus and the Clients and their families.

Policy Companion Statements

1.  Under no circumstances may client and family information be divulged either inside or outside Arcus other than to persons authorized to receive such information in the course of their duties and responsibilities.
2. A BCGEU or non-BCGEU casual, full- or part-time employee shall not transmit any information to another person without authorization from the Team Leader (Person-in-Charge) or supervisor.
3. Release of information covered under this policy and the Client and Family Records policy, including the client's personal information and other privileged information, shall be on a need-to-know basis and according to relevant legislative provisions.

Procedure

• As a condition of employment, a casual, full- or part-time employee must sign a "Confidentiality" form. This is renewed annually with the performance appraisal. A BCGEU or non-BCGEU casual, full- or part-time employee's alleged breach of confidentiality shall be investigated as outlined in "Workplace Investigations."
• A BCGEU or non-BCGEU casual, full- or part-time employee's confidentiality breach may result in discipline or dismissal as outlined in "Discipline and Dismissal" and "Performance Management" policies.
• Staff involved in an investigation may keep personal notes related to the incident and maintain confidentiality throughout in accordance with Article 51 of the Evidence Act.
• When privileged information is requested, a BCGEU or non- BCGEU casual, full- or part-time employee must: 
  1. State that they are not authorized to release any information concerning client and family; and
  2. Refer the individual requesting information to the Team Leader (Person-in-charge) or supervisor.

 

Policy Section: ASPIRE to Excellence

Policy Sub Section: 1D. Legal Requirements

Date of Review: 26 June 2024 ; 01August2025

Reviewer: Andrea Mellalieu, CEO

External References: BCGEU and CSSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement, (2000) Gov't of British Columbia (1996) Evidence Act