Settled case summary #22 — A counselling firm and An emergency services organization
The complainant alleged that a counselling firm, which provided services through her employer's employee assistance program, improperly disclosed sensitive information about her to her employer. The firm revealed that the complainant was using their services and believed she was a danger to herself, which led to her supervisor and coworkers becoming aware of her EAP use. The matter was settled when the firm revised its disclosure policies and counsellors were advised to take more detailed notes and disclose only essential information when a client is believed to be in danger.
- Confidentiality of employee assistance program services
- Disclosure of sensitive information to employer
- Accurate assessment of client risk
- Misinterpretation of client statements
Complaint settled
The complaint was settled through the OPC's intervention, with the counselling firm agreeing to revise its policies regarding disclosure of personal information and counsellor conduct in assessing client risk.
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The counselling firm revised its policies on the disclosure of personal information, including taking more detailed case notes and providing only essential information to emergency workers.
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