MONTGOMERY COUNTY TRAUMA SERVICES
ABUSE INTERVENTION PROGRAM

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS POLICY​

 

Request to Receive Confidential Communications by Alternative Means: As provided by Privacy Rule Section 164.522(b), you may request that the DHHS communicate with you by the alternative means listed below.

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You may request to communicate with the AIP Contractor via unencrypted methods such as e-mail and text messages. If you choose to use unencrypted communication options, please be aware that any computer, unencrypted e-mail or text communication can be accessed by unauthorized people and hence can compromise the privacy and confidentiality of such communication.

 

Unencrypted e-mails and texts are vulnerable to such unauthorized access due to the fact that servers or communication companies may have unlimited and direct access to all e-mails and texts that go through them. The following are some of the risks inherent in using these media:

• An unencrypted e-mail or text message might be sent erroneously to the wrong recipient, seen by someone in your house or workplace, or purposefully intercepted by a third party.

• Communication companies (e.g. Google) may be able to access e-mail accounts and text messages.

• Computers, tablets, and cell phones can be lost or stolen.

 

These risks exist both for unencrypted messages you send to your provider, and those your provider sends to you. (E-mails you receive from the AIP Contractor can be encrypted upon request.)  In order to further address these possibilities from the side of the AIP Contractor, all e-mails bear a disclaimer in case of mistaken recipients, and all confidential data on computers, tablets, and cell phones is password-protected.  AIP Contractor computers are equipped with virus protection and a password. Client information is stored in a HIPAA-secure cloud environment. Emails and text messages exchanged between you and your provider become a part of your record and subject to all the same laws and rights of access as any other part of your record.

 

You are not required to use any of these methods of communication to receive treatment. You have the right to request unencrypted communications and to revoke your request at any time.  If you initiate communication with your provider via unencrypted methods, we will assume that you have made an informed decision to use such communication methods, will view it as your agreement to accept the risks associated with such methods, and will honor your desire to communicate using these methods.
 

1. These authorizations are voluntary and you may refuse to agree to their terms without affecting any of your rights to receive healthcare at the Department.

2. These Authorizations may be revoked at any time by notifying the Department in writing.

3. The revocation of this authorization will not have any effect on disclosures occurring prior to the execution of any revocation.

4. This authorization is valid as of the date you sign the consent form and shall remain valid until changed or revoked.