GATEWAY CENTER
PRIVACY POLICY

The Gateway Center collects data about the recipients of its services in order to better address the needs of our clients, and to keep accurate records of the numbers of clients served.

The primary database used is the Pathways system, which allows other membership agencies to access client records (with client permission) for information regarding services a client has previously received at other Pathways-member agencies.

Personally identifiable information may be disclosed for the following reasons:

  1. For service delivery: with client permission, we may use service information to work with other professionals to determine an individualized action plan.
  2. To avert a serious threat to health or safety: as required by law, we may use and disclose service information when necessary to prevent a serious threat to your health and the safety, or the health and safety of the public or another person.
  3. Disaster relief: we may use or disclose information about you to a public or private entity authorized by law or by its charter to assist in disaster relief efforts.
  4. As required by law – We will disclose service information about you when required to do so by federal, state, or local law.
  5. Lawsuits and disputes – If you are involved in a lawsuit or dispute, we may disclose service information about you in response to a court or administrative order.
  6. Law enforcement: we may disclose service information about you when required by law, or
    1. in response to a court, grand jury or administrative order, warrant, or subpoena;
    2. to identify or locate a suspect, fugitive, material witness or missing person;
    3. in response to inquiry into an actual or suspected victim of a crime, when the victim agrees to the disclosure. If we are unable to obtain the victim’s agreement and disclosing information is deemed to be in the victim’s best interest, we may disclose relevant information; and
    4. as related to crimes that occur at our facility.

Clients have the following rights regarding health and service information:

  1. Right to Inspect: Clients have the right to inspect service information that is used to make decisions about their care. This request must be in writing.
  2. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures – You have a right to request an accounting of disclosures. This is a list of the disclosures we have made of service information about you. This request must be made in writing.
  3. Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice – You have the right to request and receive a copy of this notice at any time.

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Gateway Center. All complaints must be submitted in writing. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.