Question 10 of 11
Please read information below and answer question.
INFORMED CONSENT REGARDING E-MAIL OR THE INTERNET USE OF PROTECTED PERSONAL INFORMATION
drbuttler.com provides clients the opportunity to communicate with them by e-mail. Transmitting confidential health information by e-mail, however, has a number of risks, both general and specific, that should be considered before using e-mail.
1. Risks:
a. General e-mail risks are the following: e-mail can be immediately broadcast worldwide and be received by many intended and unintended recipients; recipients can forward e-mail to other recipients without the original sender(s) permission, or knowledge; users can easily misaddress an e-mail; e-mail is easier to falsify than handwritten, or signed documents; backup copies of e-mail may exist even after the sender, or recipient has deleted his/her history.
b. Specific e-mail risks are the following: e-mail containing information pertaining to health information must be included in the protected personal health information; all individuals who have access to the protected personal health information will have access to the e-mail messages; clients who send, or receive e- mail from their place of employment risk having their employer read their e-mail.
2. Drbuttler.com Email and Internet Policies:
It is our policy that all e-mail messages sent or received, which concern health information of the client will be a part of that client’s protected personal health information and we will treat such e-mail messages, or internet communications, with the same degree of confidentiality as afforded other portions of the protected personal health information.
We will use reasonable means to protect the security and confidentiality of e-mail, or internet communication. Because of the risks outlined above, we cannot, however, guarantee the security and confidentiality of e-mail, or internet communications.
3. Client Consent
Clients must consent to the use of e-mail for confidential medical information after having been informed of the above risks. Consent to the use of e-mail includes agreement with the following conditions:
a. All e-mail to, or from, clients concerning health information will be made a part of the protected personal health information. As a part of the protected personal health information, all of our health coaches and upon written authorization other healthcare providers will have access to e-mail messages contained in protected personal health information.
b. Our coaches may forward e-mail messages within the practice as necessary for coaching purposes. We will not, however, forward the e-mail outside the group without the consent of the client as required by law.
c. We at drbuttler.com will endeavor to read e-mail promptly, but can provide no assurance that the recipient of the particular e-mail will read the e-mail message promptly. Therefore, e-mail must not be used in a medical emergency.
d. It is the responsibility of the sender to determine whether the intended recipient received the e-mail and when the recipient will respond.
e. We cannot guarantee that electronic communications will be private. However, we will take reasonable steps to protect the confidentiality of the e-mail, or internet communication. However, drbuttler.com is not liable for improper disclosure of confidential information not caused by its employee’s gross negligence, or wanton misconduct.
f. If consent is given for the use of e-mail, it is the responsibility of the client to inform our staff of any type of information you do not want to be sent by e-mail.
g. It is the responsibility of the client to protect their password or other means of access to email sent, or received, from our staff, to protect confidentiality. drbuttler.com is not liable for breaches of confidentiality caused by the client.
Any further use of e-mail initiated by the client that discusses their personal health information, constitutes informed consent to the foregoing. I understand that my consent to the use of e-mail may be withdrawn at any time by e- mail, or written communication, to drbuttler.com and I have read this form carefully and understand the risks and responsibilities associated with the use of email. I agree to assume all risks associated with the use of email.