Privacy Act Notice

While you are receiving services from Hennepin County’s Human Services and Public Health (HSPHD) Department and it’s contracted entities, you will be asked to give certain information about yourself, your family history, your living habits, your income and finances, and related information that is needed to assist in provision of services and/or benefits to you and your family. All of this information and any documents (case plans, assessments, etc.) will be kept in the HSPHD combined electronic record systems. Other information regarding charges for HSPHD services or payments for services may also be maintained in the HSPHD HDS system.

Minnesota law provides that this kind of information cannot be collected, used, stored, disseminated (released to others) without advising you of the manner in which this information is treated by HSPHD. You have received a copy of the HSPHD Notice of Privacy Practices that provides this information to you. The law provides that you may refuse to give information to HSPHD. However, if you do refuse to provide information, the HSPHD or contracted agency staff may not know enough about you to provide the best care or coverage of that care through insurance, health plans or government programs. In some instances, if you do not provide certain information, HSPHD may not be able to provide services to you.

If you are under 18 and the nature of your services permits you to access services without parental consent, you may request in writing that no information about the services be given to your parent or guardian. You should be aware that HSPHD staff may provide information to your parent or guardian if it is determined that failure to inform a parent or guardian would seriously jeopardize your health or safety.

The services you receive from HSPHD is part of HSPHD's combined electronic record system and is available for identity management and service and care coordination purposes by other HSPHD programs and other HSPHD contracted providers and health care providers.