Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 290 - RULES OF DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 290-2 - FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES
Subject 290-2-29 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR MATERNITY HOMES
Rule 290-2-29-.13 - Retention and Confidentiality of Case Records

(1) Case records shall be retained in the home for at least two (2) years following discharge of residents.

(2) The home shall ensure that case records are kept confidential and inaccessible to unauthorized persons in locked fireproof storage.

(3) Written policies and procedures shall be established and implemented for the maintenance and security of case records specifying who shall supervise the maintenance of records, who shall have custody of records, and to whom records may be released and for what purposes.

(4) A home shall maintain the confidentiality of all residents' case records. Employees of the home shall not disclose or knowingly permit the disclosure of any information in a case record except to appropriate home staff for reasons of the provision of care or services; the parent(s) or legal guardian(s), legal counsel, a court of legal jurisdiction, licensing staff, other authorized public officials in the performance of their mandated duties, or a licensed child placing agency.

(5) All maternity home staff, consultants, contractors, volunteers and others with access to information about the resident must be informed, in writing, of their responsibility to maintain resident confidentiality as evidenced by their signature.