MN Therapy Animals
Confidential
Pronunciation:   \ ˌkän-fə-ˈden(t)-shəl  \      entrusted with confidences

Privacy:  
Pronunciation:   \ ˈprī-və-sē       freedom from unauthorized intrusion

Initially the thought about writing about Privacy and Confidentially became sort of a oxymoron when
I thought about all the personal information online through FaceBook, MySpace, Linken, and all the
other networking, blogs, etc., but then those vehicles of personal information are typically by
personal choice.  

As a volunteer however, confidentiality is a major issue.  No matter in what arena you volunteer, you
are held up to the same standards as the employees of the organization where you and your
partner are volunteering.   

Difficult challenge?  Not really, but it has to be a conscious one.  In animal therapy you observe and
hear a lot.  Interpersonal communication, especially listening, is one important element that comes
into play constantly.  Then too the little miracles or transformations you have the opportunity to
witness.  Trust me, no one more than I loves to hear the great stories of how the interaction
between your partner and individual was of special significance.  

Most facilities will cover this topic in their orientations, and in almost every instance there is a
Confidentially or Privacy agreement for their volunteers.  It's so important, it will typically surface up
again and again in an annual training or meeting.

Organizations take this aspect of responsibility very seriously.  There are Federal (HIPAA) and state
laws in addition to those organizational policies in place.   Finally,  those photos are endearing, but  
privacy issues come into play here too.   Don't assume it's okay, because it isn't.  We did a feature a
while back, so check out the web page..... Photo Release forms/policies
This is a topic which has no end.  Consequently we've chosen to limit this feature to:

(1)  A quick quiz to test your P & C savvy
(2)  A sample copy of Regions Hospital Confidential Agreement ( you will find most are similar)
(3)  Links for additional information

Thank you to our contributors:
Bonnie Watson, Regions Hospital/Heath Partners Volunteer Coordinator
Sharon Marshall, MN Veterans Home (Mpls) Volunteer Services Coordinator
An individual that you and your partner have been visiting for some time ask you for your opinion
on a medical issue.   

A.        Give your best guess
B.        Go home and research the issue on the internet , and get back to the individual on
           your findings
C.        Redirect the individual to the medical staff
An acquaintance also works at the facility where you volunteer.   By chance you happen to
overhear that her pregnancy results are positive.

A.        Make an immediate phone call to congratulate her and her husband.
B.        Say nothing, do nothing.
C.        Get on the horn to your mutual friends and start planning a baby shower
You are at the dog park when you encounter two other dog owners.  One individual you
happen to recognize as a patient you encountered some time ago.  

A.        Greet him by name.
B.        Be sure to ask how the person is doing now since you are concerned.
C.        Be sure to say how much you miss meeting with them.
D.        Treat as if you never met before.
A celebrity of sorts surfaces up at the facility using an assumed name, but you readily
recognize the individual.   You can....

A.        Call the Enquirer and be sure to use your phone camera to get a photo.
B.         Keep it simple and just ask for autograph.
C.        Go home and forget.
D.        Consult with the staff as to details of why the individual was admitted, then write
           a book.  After all, that's what everyone else seems to be doing.
During your R.E.A.D. session with a student, they chose to share a bit of information that
alerts you to a concern about their welfare and safety.

A.        Contact parent, and address the matter
B.        Call police
C.        Forego the confidence issue and consult with teacher or individual in charge
            about what you were told.
D.        Do nothing.
1.



2.  



3.     
 


4.




5.



6.
C.    This actually did happen and it was an interesting question.   Do refer the person back to medical staff.
keep in mind, you will find this happens fairly often.    People tend to ask opinions of everyone but who they
should be asking.
B.     We all get excited for our friends, but this is a case for the duct tape until you hear the news from her.
D.     Treat as if you never met before.    Being a frequent user of dogs parks, this is a true incident.   Thank
goodness when the friend of the patient asked how we were acquainted I actually came up with the response  
that he knew my dog, without further comment.      
C.     Ouch, as tough as it may be, it's got to be go home and forget.   Remember those HIPPA regulations, you
can be fined, volunteer services will cut their ties with you, and yes, a patient can sue  the facility and YOU for a
breach of confidentially.
C. This is always the hardest, but if some one is at risk, it's time to pass the information off to the person in
charge.  They  are probably in a better position to effectively handle.  
Scroll down for answers.
With all of the state and federal laws, to include those policies of where I volunteer, what
information must be protected?

A        Written
B.       Spoken
C.       Electronic
D.       Observed  
E.       All of the above
D.  All personal and health information that exists for every individual in any form.
This includes HIPAA protected health information and confidential information under State laws.