Confidentiality

Sometimes people hesitate to seek help because they fear that deeply private information shared with a therapist may somehow be discovered by family, friends or employers. At Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital, we understand that concern. That's why we have strict policies that ensure patient privacy and confidentiality.

Following these policies is a matter not just of professional ethics but of federal law. Federal laws and regulations protect the confidentiality of patients. Information learned about clients is privileged, not public, information. By law, we can not release information or even acknowledge that a person is a patient in a behavioral health program unless one of the following scenarios exists:

• The patient provides written consent.
• The disclosure is allowed by a court order.
• The disclosure is made to medical personnel in a medical emergency or to qualified personnel for research, audit or program evaluation.

Violation of federal law by a treatment program is a crime. Suspected violations may be reported to appropriate authorities in accordance with federal regulations.

You and your progress will be discussed only with those involved with your treatment or who have been specifically approved by you, except as required by law. Federal law and regulations do not protect information about a crime committed by a patient either at the program or against any person who works for the program. It also does not protect threats to commit such a crime.

In addition, federal law and regulations do not protect any information about suspected abuse or neglect or suspected child or elder abuse from being reported under state law to appropriate state and local authorities.