Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. Other Parties Access to the Record Hospitals/clinics for further patient/client care - A signed authorization will be required prior to transfer of information. Worker's Compensation - Information may be released without the patient's/ client’s authorization. Government Agencies - Release of information to government agencies shall require a signed authorization from the patient/client. State Department of Health - No authorization from the patient/client will be required. FBI and all law enforcement officials - A patient's/client’s authorization will be required before releasing confidential information. Information authorized by a health professional's licensing act - No patient/ client authorization is required. Transporting EMS provider for the purpose of determining the patient's/client’s diagnosis and outcome of hospital admission - No authorization from the patient/client will be required. A member of the clergy carrying out their duties - No authorization from the patient/client will be required. A qualified organ or tissue procurement organization - No authorization from the patient/client will be required. Prospective health care providers for the purpose of securing the services of that health care provider as part of the patient's/client’s continuum of care as determined by the patient's/client’s physician - No authorization in addition to the service agreement from the patient/client will be required. American Red Cross, a regional poison control center, or a utilization review agent - No authorization from the patient/client will be required. Photocopying Fees As a general rule, third party insurance carriers are not charged a fee for the photocopying of materials from the medical record. However, attorneys, and courts requesting information from records may be charged a fee for photocopying. Patients/clients and representative (if any) will no charge for copies of their medical record in which case the copies shall be provided free of charge. Record of Information Released The Agency shall keep an account of all medical records released. Such accounting shall be kept in the individual clinical record and noted elsewhere as indicated. Deceased Patients/Clients When a patient/client has died, information can be furnished as follows: 1. To the executor of the will upon presentation of a document called letters testamentary 2. To the spouse 3. To the closest surviving relative if the patient/client was unmarried 4. To a legally appointed guardian Home Health Agency Policies A-108