An individual has a right to adequate notice of

·           the uses and disclosures of protected health information (PHI) that may be made by the Department, and

·           the individual’s rights and the Department’s legal duties with respect to PHI.

The Department shall

·          maintain a Notice of Privacy Practices, (DCF-2236), easily accessible to individuals in paper form and by electronic and other means that shall accommodate for the reading, writing or sight impaired (See the Department’s brochure, “Notice of Privacy Practices”)

·          promptly revise and distribute revisions whenever there is a significant change regarding the subject matter

·           when requested, provide a copy of the notice immediately

·           when requested, translate materials in a language other than
 English, and

·           retain copies of the notices issued.

For translation services, the Department staff shall see a Program Supervisor or other Manager, contact the Division of Multicultural Affairs or visit the DCF web site for a list of language translation services.

The designated privacy staff shall

·           provide a copy of the notice to the individual upon initial
 contact and whenever requested thereafter

·           inform the individual of the right for translation services if
 English is not his/her primary language

·           have the individual sign the notice

• if a signature cannot be obtained, the designated privacy staff shall indicate so in the notice

·           provide revised copies of the notice to participants in all open
 cases

·           document the distribution of the notice in LINK (regional
 offices), and

·           file the notice in the case record (regional offices and
 facilities).