Article Archives >> Risk and Reward >> December 2002
Preview of Article:
Protecting Client Privacy: Every Nonprofit’s Responsibility
Protecting
client privacy is an important consideration for every nonprofit.
Whether your agency provides emergency shelter for victims of
domestic abuse, matches mentees and mentors, places children
in adoptive or foster families, or something else, you should
take reasonable measures to safeguard personal information about
clients.
The availability of computer systems has resulted in tremendous improvements in case management. Client information previously maintained in worn file folders can be tracked in a database and readily retrieved by those with a need to know. A push-pull relationship exists between the desire to use state-of-the-art technology to enhance efficiency and program management and the need to protect client privacy. We must accept that a slight loss of efficiency comes with the need to adequately protect client privacy. By the same token, no system can be completely secure from breaches of privacy and still be functional. Striking the appropriate balance for your organization requires a thorough review of your programmatic needs and technological capabilities.
Article Archives >> Risk and Reward >> December 2002
What our readers say about Nonprofit Issues
Once again you've tackled a tricky question and explained it so we all can understand the issue.--M.V.
Thank you for your informative and keen advice on nonprofit matters. I believe its a unique and concise place to get answers to this often wispy area called nonprofit. --R.T.
