Case managers have the responsibility to protect the privacy, health and safety of the individuals receiving services. The following statutes provide brief overviews of mandates and guidance to the case manager for the protection of your clients’ privacy:
- Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
- Minnesota Health Records Act
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA)
Minnesota Government Data Practices Act provides guidelines for complying with laws that govern the use and disclosure of sensitive information in Minnesota. Case managers gather and record personal information about their clients.
Individuals can be harmed by the reckless disclosure of information about them. There are significant penalties under both state and federal laws for government and services agencies that violate laws designed to protect individuals from disclosure of personal information.
Case managers must become familiar with general data practices, particularly the use of the Notice of Privacy Practices and the Informed Consent for Release of Information forms. These forms must be provided to and signed by clients when case managers gather and disseminate personal information about clients.