Confidentiality & Privacy
Based on certain legal requirements, you must protect riders’ confidential information created, stored, or transmitted in the following ways:
- Verbal Discussions (in person or on the phone)
- Written on paper (e.g, mileage logs)
- Computer Applications and Systems (e.g, HopSkipDrive app)
- Computer Hardware/Equipment (e.g, PCs, laptops, and cell phones - including voicemail messages and text messages)
HIPAA Regulations
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) regulations require that we protect our riders’ personal health information (PHI). PHI includes the following:
FERPA Regulations
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits the disclosure of a rider’s personally identifiable information (PII) without prior consent. PII includes many different types of information.
Practical Considerations
- Do not discuss confidential information in public areas
- Do not take screenshots of confidential information to store on an electronic device
- Delete PHI or PII (including voicemail and text messages) from electronic devices immediately
- Do not text PHI or PII or write down this information in personal notes
- Do not make copies or print PHI or PII
- Always keep your electronic devices protected with a unique password only you know
- Ensure the screen of your electronic device is not visible by others
- Do not share PHI/PII with any unauthorized parties and notify safe ride support if you believe PHI or PII was disclosed to an unauthorized person or entity