Confidentiality Policy

1. Our Commitment to Confidentiality

GinaCare Community Services, LLC recognizes that the individuals and families we serve share deeply personal information with us — including income details, health conditions, immigration status, and family circumstances. We treat all such information with the strictest confidentiality and handle it with care, respect, and professionalism.

This Confidentiality Policy applies to all GinaCare staff, volunteers, contractors, and any person acting on behalf of GinaCare Community Services, LLC.

2. What We Keep Confidential

All of the following information shared with GinaCare is treated as confidential:

• Personal identifying information (name, date of birth, Social Security Number)
• Financial information (income, assets, bank account details)
• Health and medical information
• Immigration and citizenship status
• Family composition and living situation
• Benefit enrollment status and application details
• Any other personal circumstances shared during consultations

3. When We May Share Information

GinaCare will not share your confidential information without your explicit written or verbal consent, except in the following limited circumstances:

• With your consent — when submitting benefit applications to government agencies on your behalf
• Referral to services — when connecting you to a homecare agency, legal service provider, or community resource that you have agreed to be connected to
• As required by law — if compelled by a valid legal order, subpoena, or reporting requirement under New York State or federal law
• Imminent safety — if we have reason to believe that you or another person is in immediate danger, we may disclose information to appropriate authorities as required by law

We will always inform you of any required disclosure to the extent permitted by law.

4. Staff Confidentiality Obligations

All GinaCare staff and volunteers are trained on this Confidentiality Policy and are bound by it. Staff are required to:

• Discuss client information only with colleagues directly involved in the client's case
• Never discuss client cases in public settings or with unauthorized individuals
• Store all client documents securely and dispose of them properly
• Report any suspected breach of confidentiality to leadership immediately

5. Referrals From Community Partners

When a community partner (hospital, church, homecare agency, social worker) submits a referral on behalf of a client, the client's information is used solely to initiate contact and provide the requested service. Referral information is not shared further without the client's consent.

6. Record Retention

GinaCare retains client records for the period necessary to complete services and comply with applicable New York State record-keeping requirements. Records are securely disposed of when no longer needed.

7. Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about how your information is handled, or if you believe your confidentiality has been compromised, please contact us immediately: