Privacy and Confidentiality Policy

Regulations for the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (34 CFR 361.38), require the Iowa Department for the Blind (“IDB”) to adopt and implement policies and procedures to safeguard the confidentiality of all personal information, including photographs and lists of names. All personally identifiable information in the possession of IDB is to be used only for purposes directly related to the rehabilitation of the individual. IDB is also required to comply with public law 93–282, concerning the confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records, Code of Iowa section 228.1 on the release of mental health information, Code of Iowa section 141A.9 on the release of HIV/AIDS information, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

The IDB staff member shall protect and keep confidential all privileged forms of written, verbal and electronic communication concerning the client, unless written consent has been provided by the client, or unless otherwise mandated by local, state or federal laws or regulations.

If research is to be conducted using information gathered by IDB staff members, through the provision of their services, the IDB staff member shall obtain informed consent from the blind client or clients with whom they are working before using any personal information which might be published as a result of the research. Only statistical information may be used without the client’s consent.