Can we use sign in sheets at the clinic?
Yes, as long as there is no health information contained on the sheet.
Do the same requirements apply to mental health records and to medical records?
In general, yes; however, - "Psychotherapy notes" are accorded special privacy protections under this regulation. Ordinarily, a written client consent is required before psychotherapy notes can be disclosed to anyone. - A health plan may not condition a client's enrollment or eligibility on the provision of the client's authorization or consent for disclosure of psychotherapy notes. - Psychotherapy notes are excluded from the provision that gives clients the right to see and copy their health information.
Can an adult who is not a child's parent or legal guardian accompany them to the speech appointment? Can we share the child's PHI with them?
From a strictly HIPAA standpoint, yes, but other regulations governing minors may still mandate that parental consent is documented.