Which statement about confidentiality is true for DSPs?

Confidentiality is a critical aspect of the role of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), as they often work with sensitive personal information about individuals they support. The statement that confidentiality requires documented consent emphasizes the importance of obtaining clear, concrete permission from individuals or their guardians before sharing any personal information. This practice helps protect the privacy and rights of the individuals and ensures that DSPs adhere to ethical and legal standards in their work.

Documented consent serves several purposes: it formalizes the agreement between the DSP and the individual regarding the handling of their personal information, provides a clear record that can be referenced if there are questions about information sharing, and empowers individuals by allowing them to control who has access to their private information. In many circumstances, particularly in health care or social services, written consent is required by law to share or disclose personal information.

In contrast, other statements do not accurately capture the principles of confidentiality. For example, stating that confidentiality only applies to written documents dismisses the fact that verbal communications are also protected. Claiming that DSPs may share information without consent in emergencies may overlook the need to still balance the rights of the individual with the need for immediate action. Lastly, while verbal consent can be appropriate in some scenarios, it is not always