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COMBINED MEDICAID 101-1 Confidentiality Supersedes: MA 101-1 and FMA 101-1 (07/01/04) Reference: 42 CFR 431.300, .303, .305, .306; ARM 37.82.101 Overview: The Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS) may share client information for purposes directly connected with the administration of the Medicaid programs with other federal programs and certain entitled entities. The client’s confidential information may be released without notice to or permission of the client, for the following purposes: 1. Reporting child abuse and neglect to the appropriate authority (MCA 41-3-205) if it pertains to the administration of the Medicaid program; 2. Conducting child support activities; and 3. Establishing eligibility and administering (including audits, investigations, prosecutions, etc.) Medicaid programs share only the minimum amount of data necessary to gather accurate information needed. 4. Reporting elder abuse and neglect to the appropriate authority, IF it pertains to the administration of the Medicaid program, reporting only name/age, alleged abuse/abuser, and perhaps an address, but certainly no financial data. Requests for information about current or past clients which do not meet the above criteria must be submitted in writing to the HCSD, Central Office. When there is a question about a breach of confidentiality, Central Office staff refers the request to the Office of Legal Affairs. NON-AGENCY PERSONNEL: Non-agency employees may conduct interviews or certify applicants when specifically allowed under federal regulation (e.g., federally declared disaster). Volunteers or others who are not employed by DPHHS may not determine eligibility. However, they may assist in related activities such as: 1. Obtaining necessary information; and 2. Helping applicants complete the application form. Non-agency personnel are restricted from disclosing confidential information. RELEASE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT: