Confidentiality: What’s your role?

  • When accompanying someone to a doctor or dentist appointment, encourage him to speak for himself. If the doctor asks you questions, as if the person is unable to speak for himself, look at the person to answer the question. This is a teachable moment for both the person you support as well as the professional.
  • When out in the community and seeing a friend, encourage the person you support to introduce himself and don’t identify him as your “client,” “consumer” or “patient.”
  • When in a social situation in which your job is being discussed, don’t give details about the individuals you support. Never mention names, diagnosis, family names, or any other identifying facts.