Privacy

According to PA 198 of 2016 correspondence between the Ombudsman and the person filing the concern is confidential and privileged communication. A report prepared and recommendations made by the Ombudsman and submitted to the council and any record of the ombudsman are exempt from disclosure under the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.

All records, reports, and communications relied upon, referenced, or prepared are subject to the privacy provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, Public Law 104-191, and regulations promulgated under that act, 45 CFR parts 160 and 164.

While information presented to the Ombudsman is confidential, the disclosure of information is necessary to enable the Ombudsman to perform the duties of the office and to support any recommendations resulting from an investigation (PA 198 of 2016).