Confidentiality and Privacy Standards

Confidentiality

Contractors shall comply with DHS policies regarding confidentiality and agree to abide by all state and federal laws, rules and regulations on respecting confidentiality of an individual’s records. Contractors further agree not to divulge any information concerning any individual to any unauthorized person without written consent of the individual employee, consumer, or responsible parent or guardian.

Social Media

Publishing inappropriate or offensive material regarding clients, human service providers, individuals and organizations associated with clients, or other work-related contacts on any social network site or other website is an example of off-duty activity that could reflect discredit on the Department.

Personal Gain

Directly or indirectly asking, accepting, demanding, soliciting, seeking, or receiving a financial or other benefit for themselves or for others in return for being influenced in the performance of their job responsibilities are examples of off-duty activities that could reflect discredit on the Department.

Privacy of Health Information

Contractors shall comply with DHS policies regarding privacy of individually identifiable health information, and agree to abide by all state and federal laws, rules and regulations on protecting privacy of individuals' health information. Contractors will safeguard protected health information disclosed by DHS and assure that their agents, employees and Subcontractors agree to the same conditions applicable to the contractor with respect to such information.