I.  PURPOSE
 

To ensure the right of Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) clients to request privacy protection for Protect Health Information (PHI). 
 

II.  DEFINITION
 

Confidential Communications Request: A request by a client to receive communications of PHI from DMH by alternative means or at alternative locations. 
 

III.  POLICY
 

DMH shall provide clients with an opportunity to make confidential communications requests.

DMH shall accommodate reasonable confidential communications requests.

DMH shall preserve the confidentiality of all communication pursuant to the Health Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
 

IV.  PROCEDURES
 

Procedures - Client Rights to Request Confidential Communications of Protected Health Information
 

V.  AUTHORITY
 

Code of Federal Regulations Title 45 Section 164.522(b)