Section 501.210  Confidentiality

Confidentiality must be strictly adhered to for the safety of the victim, as well as to promote accountability for the abuser. PAIPs are expected to be knowledgeable of all applicable confidentiality laws, such as the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act [740 ILCS 110], that impact the delivery of PAIP services as well as impact referrals to other social services agencies. To promote abuser accountability and facilitate communication with referring bodies, releases of information are needed from participants. In addition to the MH/DD Confidentiality Act, the following guidelines shall be followed:

a)         During intake, PAIPs shall explain to participants that communication is confidential, but that the law provides for exceptions, such as reporting child abuse, elder abuse and indications of suicide or intent to harm. PAIPs shall provide an explanation of the release of information forms, their purpose, and whether participant's consent is strictly voluntary or required for participation in the program.

b)         PAIPs may ask participants to sign a release of information to allow the PAIP to provide access to information, as needed, to any persons or agencies to which the PAIP would need to report compliance or subsequent or threatened abuse, screening information or related ongoing data to plan for proper intervention, and/or to collaborate on an ongoing basis on an intervention plan.  The appropriate signed releases and documentation must be obtained and kept on file.