Privacy Practices and Client Rights

Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Area (FSA) is committed to protecting your privacy and your rights under the laws of the state and federal governments.

As a client seeking mental health services at FSA, your right to privacy is governed by the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

1. You are entitled to have your rights explained to you using a language or method of communication that you understand the first time that you meet with a counselor.
2. If you have a guardian, we will cooperate with your guardian. We will also cooperate with the courts and probation, with your written consent.
3. You have the right to be free from abuse and neglect.
4. You have the right to have an individual treatment plan that will be developed with your input.
5. You have the right to review your treatment plan with your counselor.
6. You have the right to be free from physical restraints unless it is being used to protect you from hurting yourself or someone else.
7. FSA does not discriminate against anyone receiving counseling due to age, race, gender, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or physical or mental disability.
8. FSA will not release any Protected Health Information (PHI) without the written consent of a client over the age of 12 and their parent/guardian
9. FSA will make a reasonable effort to verify the identity of the person(s) requesting your protected health information.
10. FSA may release protected health information without consent for the following reasons: There is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect or you present evidence that you are at imminent risk of hurting yourself or other people.
11. FSA can also release protected health information without your permission if there is a court order or administrative order under very strict circumstances.
12. FSA may release protected health information without our permission when required to do so by state, federal or other applicable laws.
13. FSA will not refuse you services if you exercise the rights listed here.
14. If you think that FSA is not treating you fairly, you have the right to file a written grievance with the Executive Director . If you are not satisfied with the decision of the Executive Director, you have the right to appeal the decision of the Executive Director by filing a written grievance with the President of the Governing Board of Directors.

Privacy Practices While Using This Website

We may collect some personal information such as your name or email address which is done when you register for membership or when you sign up for an email list. The information collected is used to provide you with relevant information about our agency.

Family Service Association Of Greater Elgin will not sell or share your personal information with any third parties.

Users should be aware that when you are on Family Service Association Of Greater Elgin, different pages might have a "Links" section. By clicking on the links provided you could be directed to other sites which are beyond our control. The "Links" sections identify which page you are redirected to.

We reserve the right, to at our discretion, to make changes to this policy at any time. Please check this page periodically for updates.