One of the primary reasons ground rules are necessary in group therapy is to maintain confidentiality and privacy. Participants must feel confident that what is shared within the group will remain confidential. This fosters trust among members and encourages openness and vulnerability.
Subject to exceptions not applicable here, the physician-patient privilege bars disclosure by any physician of information acquired in attending his patient and for the purpose of treating the patient, without the patient's expressed consent. (Illinois Revised Statutes, Chapter 110, Section 8-802.)
The Illinois law permits disclosure when a therapist, in their sole discretion, determines that it is necessary to “protect the recipient or other person against a clear, imminent risk of serious physical or mental injury or disease or death being inflicted … by the recipient on himself or another…”
I cannot and will not tell anyone else what you have told me, or even that you are in therapy with me without your prior permission. You can authorize me to share information with whomever you choose, and you may change your mind and revoke that permission at anytime.
I understand that participating in this support group means I agree to these terms to ensure a safe and supportive environment: Confidentiality: Everything shared in our group stays confidential. This includes personal stories and any identifying information shared by group members.
Disclosing confidential information without proper authorization. Discussing confidential information in the presence of individuals who do not have the "need to know' to perform assigned duties. Improper disposal of confidential information.
Each physician, health care provider, health services corporation and insurance company shall refrain from disclosing the nature or details of services provided to patients, except that such information may be disclosed: (1) to the patient, (2) to the party making treatment decisions if the patient is incapable of ...
Pritzker signed Public Act 103-0879, amending the Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act, late this summer. The act imposes new responsibilities on Illinois employers pertinent to E-Verify and workplace verification and also preempts local government requirements. It goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.