What type of information must Certified Application Counselors (CACs) keep confidential?

Certified Application Counselors (CACs) are required to maintain the confidentiality of personal health information and details shared by clients to protect their privacy. This requirement is grounded in regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which safeguards sensitive patient data. By ensuring that personal health information is kept confidential, CACs help build trust with their clients and encourage open communication, allowing individuals to share necessary information without fear of exposure.

While financial information is also sensitive, the specific emphasis for CACs is on personal health information because it can have a direct impact on a client’s ability to receive care and manage their health. General health statistics and recruitment details from health plans do not fall into the same category of personal confidentiality and can often be shared in a broader context without violating privacy concerns. Thus, the focus is on the confidentiality of individualized health data shared by clients.