(1) To ensure the safety, confidentiality, and privacy of persons receiving services, the provider shall safeguard information identifying domestic violence emergency shelters and center participants as provided in Florida Statutes § 39.908 Confidential information may be in hardcopy or electronic format and may include name, address, phone number, case management plan and notes, safety plan, service plan, services provided, referrals, and other related information. Access to any participant identifying information shall be limited to staff members who have a legitimate interest in the case and have a need to know to carry out their job duties.
    (2) The Department and the contracted entity shall have access to shelters and center records to the extent necessary to perform the oversight function. Providers may not provide individual participant records to stakeholders, partner agencies, and other entities that have an interest in provider operations, except as expressly authorized in Florida Statutes § 39.908 Client communications that satisfy the criteria for a privileged communication under Florida Statutes § 90.5036, may be disclosed only as provided in that statute.
    (3) The provider shall ensure all center employees and volunteers are aware of and understand their obligation to comply with Florida Statutes § 39.908, which prohibits the disclosure of shelter location and any information regarding center participants without their express written, time-limited consent, except in limited circumstances described in the statute.
Rulemaking Authority 39.903 FS. Law Implemented Florida Statutes § 39.908. History-New 11-30-09, Formerly 65H-1.004, Amended 5-4-20.