Pierce County DOCUMENTATION
Accounting for Disclosure
POLICY
Generally, Pierce County Department of Human Services does not release private client information without written authorization by the client unless it is to carry out treatment, payment or operational activities of the Department. However, state and/or federal laws do allow for the release of private information, often for the health and safety of the client or others, without client authorization or notification. The Department records, or keeps an accounting, of these disclosures.The Department recognizes that each client has the right to request the accounting of disclosures of their private information. The Department will provide them with the accounting of disclosures of their private information on an annual basis, without charge. Clients requesting an accounting on a more frequent basis will be charged for photocopying and mailing costs. The accounting will not include disclosures made:
- to carry out the treatment, payment and operations of the Department;with the client’s authorization;
- directly to the client;
- for national security or intelligence purposes; and
- to correctional institutions or law enforcement agencies in custodial situations.