Dear Client or Guardian,
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to remind you that there are specific situations in which limitations to confidentiality of ALCS clinical records may arise. In these specific situations, most of which we have outlined in our Standards and Policies Informed Consent, Abundant Life Counseling Services, P.A. (ALCS) would be permitted, and in some cases obligated, to disclose your PHI (Personal Health Information) without your permission. An additional specific situation that falls under this category is the special purpose of public health.
What might this mean for you? If ALCS should become aware that a person either suspected to have been exposed to COVID-19 or confirmed to have COVID-19 was on premises of ALCS, we would be obligated to disclose everyone (including our staff) who may have been exposed within the 14-day contagion period to federal, state, or local health authorities, or other entities charged with preventing or controlling disease, injury, or disability for public health activities.
Please understand that, at this time, there are no occurrences of COVID-19 associated with Abundant Life Counseling Services, P.A.. If there are any occurrences, we will additionally notify you of your potential exposure. If we do have to make a report to the public health authorities, we will disclose only the information that is required and necessary for the public health authorities to carry out their public health mission.
Please let us know if you have any questions about this policy.
Sincerely,
Kerry Williamson, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S, CST
Director and Founder, ALCS