Which laws govern the confidentiality of psychological records in Florida?

The confidentiality of psychological records in Florida is primarily governed by Florida Statute 456.057 and Florida Statute 490.0147. These statutes outline the rights of patients regarding their mental health records and specify the conditions under which those records can be disclosed.

Florida Statute 456.057 focuses on the confidentiality of medical records, emphasizing the importance of consent before any information can be released. It sets forth the requirements for maintaining the privacy of patient information and includes provisions related to the sharing of records between health care providers.

On the other hand, Florida Statute 490.0147 specifically addresses the confidentiality of psychological records, including treatment records and notes made during the course of therapy. This statute reinforces the idea that psychologists have a duty to protect their clients' privacy, limiting the disclosure of such records without the informed consent of the patient.

Together, these laws create a comprehensive framework to safeguard the confidentiality of both general medical and specific psychological records, ensuring that individuals seeking mental health care can do so with the assurance that their information will be kept private and secure.