Confidentiality

The EAP is CONFIDENTIAL. Information about an employee’s use of the EAP will not be shared with anyone without a release signed by the employee. Such releases designate specifically what information can be released and to whom. The EAP counselors are the keeper of the confidential record, and the release must be signed with the counselor.

There are legal and ethical guidelines that may require exceptions to complete protection of information. In cases such as child/dependent abuse, adult abuse and life-threatening circumstances, the EAP counselor will determine how best to deal with each situation, and may release such information as necessary to meet a bona fide emergency or as required by law.

EAP records are for the counselor’s use only and are not part of personnel records. Anonymous data will be collected to study program utilization. Departmental management staff and employees of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services will not have access to names of people seeking or using services. There is one exception, which allows the individual conducting financial audits and program evaluation access to client files for the purpose of audits. That person must sign a statement of confidentiality and may not identify, directly or indirectly, any individual client in any manner.