How EAP Confidentiality Works

Navigating life’s ups and downs isn’t easy on your own, which is why the company offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that grants you access to third-party counselors, resources, and referrals for you and your household members. Any EAP benefits you or your household members utilize remain confidential. This means that while the company pays for the service, they have no insight into your specific use of the service.

EAPs and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
HIPAA privacy rule establishes national standards to protect an individual’s medical records and other personal health information. The laws of confidentiality extend to your EAP record as well. Your EAP record is kept separate from all other records and is not a part of your medical record. Your EAP record can only be accessed by EAP’s licensed psychologists and administrative support. In all instances, access to your information is granted on a strict need-to-know basis. Your visits will not be noted in your personnel file or medical record.

The HIPAA rule applies to all health plans and health care providers that process confidential transactions electronically. The rule requires appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of personal health information and sets limits and conditions on the uses and disclosures that may be made of such information without patient authorization. The rule also gives patients’ rights over their own health information, including rights to examine and obtain a copy of their health records and to request corrections.

Ready to contact the EAP?
Visit accessqhs.com or call 877-747-1200. To learn more about the EAP, click here.