Confidentiality: Confidentiality – A Guide for Interviews

Oklahoma Human Services has a strict policy on confidentiality. OKDHS employees are prohibited from accessing or viewing client records for any reason other than performance of assigned duties. The information I enter into the data base will only be accessed or discussed among the staff handling your case record to determine eligibility.

“However, there are exceptions regarding confidentiality that OKDHS workers should be aware of.”

  • If the health and/or welfare of a child (under the age of 18) or a vulnerable adult (age 18 and over) is at risk.
  • If you (the client) need to be protected from harming yourself (e.g. if suicidal) or others (if you have threatened to harm others or will do so inadvertently).
  • If you (the client) decide to name someone as your authorized representative, some information is made available to them (e.g. authorized representative can apply for benefits and/or be interviewed for services on your behalf and can be issued a card in their name).

It is always best practice to tell clients at the beginning of your contact with them that whatever they tell you is confidential except in the above circumstances. This helps develop trust and builds rapport.

  • Clients should be made aware that Social Security numbers of all members in the household will be used in Data Exchange with other federal, state, and local officials, and information obtained through these sources could affect eligibility for benefits (e.g. Social Security Administration).
  • Explain to the client, “Your signature indicates that you agree to the terms and conditions of the application. It can also be used as your consent of release of information from a 3rd

**Note: Information cannot be used for personal gain, such as accessing your personal files or other files of people you know (e.g. family, friends). Unauthorized access or improper disclosure of case records or database information includes securing or attempting to secure access to confidential information without authorization and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment and prosecution of criminal violations.

Oklahoma 340:75-1-42

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