LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
  Policy 501.04 Client Rights to Request Confidential Communications of Protected Health Information 
 
  PROCEDURES
  1. DMH clients can make a confidential communication request in writing by completing and submitting the Client’s Request for Confidential Communications (MH 615) form.
     
  2. DMH shall not require an explanation from the client concerning the basis for the request as a condition of providing confidential communications.
     
  3. DMH may require the client to provide the following as a condition for granting a confidential communications request:
     
    1. Information as to how payment, if any, will be handled;
       
    2. An alternative address; or
       
    3. An alternative method of contacting the client.
       
  4. The program manager or designee, using their professional judgment and considering all relevant factors, shall be responsible for determining on a case-by-case basis whether a client’s confidential communications request is reasonable.
     
    1. If determined reasonable:
       
      1. The program manager or designee shall sign and approve the Client’s Request for Confidential Communications (MH 615) form.
         
      2. Thereafter, whenever communicating with the client in a way that includes the client’s PHI, DMH shall communicate in the manner and/or to the location specified on the form.
         
      3. The DMH workforce member shall scan and upload the original Client’s Request for Confidential Communications (MH 615) form into IBHIS for future delivery verification.
         
      4. At the client’s request, the DMH workforce member shall give the client a copy of the signed request.
         
    2. If denied, the program manager or designee shall:
       
      2. Include the basis for the decision to deny the request.
         
      3. Complete the letter of denial within 10 business days.
         
      4. Send the original and a copy of the letter of denial to the HIPAA Privacy Officer for review and consultation.
         
      5. Send the letter of denial to the client.
         
      6. Scan and upload the letter of denial into IBHIS for future reference.
         
      7. Address any follow-up questions from the client.