Pierce County PIERCE COUNTY DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT - CONFIDENTIALITY
Use and Disclosure of Private Information
POLICY
Pierce County Department of Human Services will use and disclose private client information, including identifying health information, only with a valid written authorization from the client or legal representative unless state or federal law allows for specific exceptions. The Department will verify the identity and/or authority of any person requesting access to private client information.Requests to use or disclose private client information will be limited to the minimum information necessary to meet the purpose of the request. All information used or disclosed is maintained in a manner that allows for accurate reporting of use and disclosures.
All requests for disclosure of private client information will be acted on within thirty (30) days of receiving the request.
Emergencies, including disaster relief efforts, will be reviewed by the Director or Privacy Officer to determine if private client information is directly relevant to the emergency and should be released.