In Rhode Island law, there are several exceptions that either require or allow the practitioner to break confidentiality:

• where there is a reasonable suspicion of child or elder neglect or abuse

• where there is a reasonable suspicion that you may present a danger of violence to others

• where there is a reasonable suspicion that you are likely to harm yourself unless protective measures are taken

Privilege is the term used to describe the legal right of keeping your clinical records confidential. Privilege belongs to you, the client. You can establish the privilege and take the steps needed to assert or waive privilege. This means that information about you can not be shared with anyone else without your permission. You must sign a release of information form to have your psychologist give any information about you to another person (i.e., school system, physician, psychiatrist, etc.). Refer to the explanation of the limits of confidentiality for the circumstance under which information must be shared.

Psychologists are required to keep some basic records, usually consisting of the dates of service, fees and payments, and clinical notes regarding services provided. Information is kept in a confidential file, along with general office forms and any other information relating to assessment or treatment, including the results of any psychological testing. You have a right to ask about your records.

Please note, when you sign an insurance form you are authorizing your psychologist to give information to the insurance company. Please review your insurance policy to determine their standard practices regarding confidentiality. For insurance payment, psychologists are required to release certain information or they will not get reimbursed for services rendered.

Computers, emails, and websites can improve the efficiency of sharing information and receiving feedback. Reasonable measures have been taken to maintain data security and accuracy by preventing accidental release of information and deterring access by unauthorized users. However, hackers, stolen laptops, spyware, and other methods may be used to break the security of electronic information. Therefore, it is important to note the following:
• Email is not a secure or confidential medium.
• We can't guarantee that e-mails sent to us will be confidential.
• Email names can be copied and used to misrepresent the identity of the sender. Do not assume that an unsolicited email you receive from us is authentic. We will always inform you of our intent to send you an email. Please use caution when opening any email that you receive unexpectedly.
• We will never send you an email with an attachment, unless we have told you beforehand. Please keep in mind that many viruses, spyware, adware, and worms are sent as attachments.
• We have strict security policies to prevent breach of security, breach of confidentiality, and to assure compliance with ethical and legal standards of health care delivery. However, we can not guarantee security with the electronic exchange of information.