SOCIAL SERVICES 39-02-002

CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

POLICY STATEMENT.

The Division of Veterans Healthcare Services requires that each of the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes (VMH) uphold the confidentiality of health record information, and protect the individual’s right to privacy in the collection and disclosure of personally identifiable medical and/or social information, in accordance with the regulatory codes set forth by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

PURPOSE.

This statement shall serve to ensure that New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home residents’ medical and social information is protected as highly personal, sensitive and confidential.

PROCEDURE.

A. Social Services:

1. Interviews:

All interviews will be conducted in a manner to ensure privacy for the resident and guardian/representative. When at all possible, conferences will be held in a private office.

2. Records:

All resident records and related social information will be treated in a manner to ensure confidentiality.

3. Public Records:

All public documentation will use the resident’s assigned case number in place of their name for means of identification.

4. Training:

All employees will be notified of the importance of confidentially during the initial orientation.

Revised: January 2007