Allied Trades Assistance Program

It is the policy of the Allied Trades Assistance Program (ATAP) to accept the responsibility to serve the behavioral health needs of member. For ATAP to accomplish this purpose, it must provide effective support to anyone who seeks treatment, and who may benefit from its’ services.

Confidentiality, in respect to ATAP means that the discussions, records, and treatment of, by or about any client, shall guarantee, as far as possible, the right of client to privacy. The fact that an individual is involved in services must be kept private, and such disclosure can be made only under certain specified conditions. Confidentiality rules are strict. Information kept confidential includes:

• Identity
• Attendance
• Diagnosis
• Status and involvement in the program
• Treatment plans
• Physical whereabouts

This means that ATAP employees, consultants, volunteers, interns, etc., shall not disclose any information about an individual, including the fact that a person is or is not a client, to anyone outside ATAP unless such disclosure is authorized by written client consent. The principle of confidentiality must be maintained in all programs, functions, and activities of ATAP.
The privacy of people receiving behavioral health services. Code of Federal Regulations: 42 CFR Part 2, all programs providing diagnosis, treatment, or referral services. Primary intent is to prevent disclosure of information – both written and verbal – that would identify a person as receiving behavioral health services.

Exception to the general confidentiality conditions:

• Patient consent
• Clients may sign a consent form to release specific information to specific people.
• Internal communications
• Information may be shared among staff within a program, only if there is a legitimate need to know.
• Disclosures without identification of client
• Programs may release information that does not include any identifying information about a client.
• Medical emergencies
• If a situation poses an immediate threat to the health of the client or any other individual, and requires immediate medical intervention, such as a drug overdose or suicide attempt, necessary information may be disclosed to medical personnel.
• Court orders
• State and federal courts may issue orders authorizing programs to release information.
• Child and elder abuse reports
• It is mandated by most state statutes that any information regarding child abuse or elder abuse is reported.
• Duty to Warn
• If a client poses a threat to somebody’s life, staff must inform the intended victim.

ATAP Staff under Pennsylvania Law are required to report known or suspected child and elder abuse. A mandated reporter, who in his or her professional capacity, or within the scope of his or her employment, has knowledge of, observes, or reasonably suspects abuse, or neglect must report the suspected incident.