What should you do when a client’s mother inquires about their treatment progress without a Release of Information?

When a client’s mother inquires about their treatment progress without a Release of Information, the appropriate action is to speak with the client about completing a Release of Information. This step is vital because it respects the client's confidentiality and autonomy over their personal and medical information. Without the client's explicit consent through a properly executed Release of Information, a case manager cannot disclose any specific treatment details to family members or other individuals, even if the intention behind the inquiry is supportive.

Engaging the client in a discussion about a release allows the client to understand the implications of sharing information and empowers them to make decisions about what they feel comfortable disclosing. It fosters a trusting relationship between the client and the case manager, as the client can determine their family's level of involvement in their treatment. This action aligns with ethical standards in behavioral health, which prioritize client confidentiality and informed consent.

While informing the mother of confidentiality laws may clarify why specific information cannot be shared, it does not actively involve the client in the decision-making process. Providing a general update on treatment or contacting the client's doctor for details would violate the confidentiality agreement the client has with their provider. Therefore, the most appropriate choice is to engage the client in completing a Release of Information to enable communication with the mother, maintaining ethical