The confidentiality of substance use disorder services provided by The Megan’s House Foundation, Inc. are protected under federal law, including the federal regulations governing the confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records, 42 CFR Part 2, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164, and cannot be disclosed without written consent by the resident unless otherwise provided for by the regulations, or
⮚ THE DISCLOSURE IS REQUIRED BY COURT ORDER.
⮚ THE DISCLOSURE IS MADE IN A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL FOR AUDIT OR PROGRAM EVALUATION REASONS.
⮚ THE Resident COMMITS OR THREATENS TO COMMIT A CRIME TOWARDS THE PROGRAM OR AN INDIVIDUAL.
Residents have the right to inspect and copy any information to be disclosed by consent. Any disclosure of information carries with it the potential for an unauthorized re-disclosure and the information may not be protected by law. Residents have the right to revoke their Consents at any time and must do so in writing and present their written revocation to the Megan’s House site or Program Director or designee. The revocation will not apply to information that has already been released in response to their Consent. The revocation will not apply to insurance companies when the law provides the insurer with the right to contest a claim under residents’ policies. Residents may be denied services if they refuse to consent to disclosure for purposes of treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, if permitted by state law. Residents will not be denied services if they refuse to consent to a disclosure for other purposes. Consents to release information expire 90 days from termination of treatment, unless otherwise specified. Residents are offered a copy of their Consents to release information. Further information regarding The Megan’s House Foundation, Inc. privacy policy can be requested by contacting our Executive Offices at The Megan House Foundation at 978-606-9955 or Info@TheMeganHouse.org.
Any resident who wishes to file a grievance of complaint concerning our privacy policy should request a Serious Complaint Form from the Director of Programming. The form should be completed by the resident or person assisting on behalf of the resident, and given to the Executive Director or Chairman of the Board. Either the Executive Director or Chairman of the Board will respond within five days of receipt of the complaint. The Executive Director or Chairman of the Board will take appropriate actions to rectify the problem(s).