The law protects the privacy of communications between a client and therapist. Except as otherwise indicated in this document, the providers at LCC can only release information about your treatment to others if you sign a written authorization form that meets certain HIPAA requirements. 4 exceptions are listed below:
Child abuse: If a provider at LCC has reason to believe that someone under 18 years of age has been injured as a result of brutality, abuse or neglect, or has been sexually abused, the law requires that report be made to child protective services or another appropriate governmental agency. Once such a report is filed, your provider may be required to provide additional information.
Abuse of an adult: If a provider LCC has reason to suspect that an adult who is vulnerable physically, mentally, or emotionally has suffered abuse, neglect or exploitation, the law requires that the therapist report to the department of human services. Once such a report is filed, the therapist may be required to provide additional information.
Client’s threat to harm another: If a client has communicated an actual threat of bodily harm against a clearly identified victim, and a provider at LCC believes that the client has the ability and likelihood of carrying out the threat, then she is required to take reasonable steps to protect the victim, including notifying the potential victim, contacting the police, and/or seeking involuntary hospitalization for the client.
Client’s threat to harm self: If a client is deemed to be an immediate threat of harm to self, a provider at LCC may be obligated to seek hospitalization for him/her, or to contact family members or others (including law enforcement) who can help provide protection.