How should a case manager handle client confidentiality?

The responsibility of a case manager in handling client confidentiality is paramount, and adhering to legal and ethical standards is critical in maintaining that confidentiality. Option B emphasizes the necessity to follow established laws, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), alongside ethical guidelines that govern the sharing of personal information. This means that any disclosure of a client's information must be conducted with their informed consent, unless a clear legal exception applies.

In practice, this involves not only understanding what information can be shared and with whom, but also implementing safeguards to protect sensitive data. A case manager who adheres to these standards fosters trust with clients and ensures that their rights are respected, ultimately contributing to better outcomes in case management.

Other options do not provide the comprehensive approach needed for maintaining confidentiality. For instance, sharing information with family members without the client's consent breaches confidentiality protocols. Maintaining personal notes that are not shared does not address the broader implications of sharing information with others. Discussing cases only in private meetings, while important for confidentiality, is incomplete without the context of adhering to broader legal and ethical standards.