chapter 69 – confidentiality and accesS to client records

section .0100 – general provisions

10A NCAC 69 .0101         DEFINITIONS

As used in this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(1)           "Client" means any applicant for, or recipient of, public assistance or services, or someone who makes inquiries, is interviewed, or is or has been otherwise served to some extent by the agency. For purposes of this Chapter, someone acting on behalf of the client in accordance with their right to act on the client's behalf under a legal order, federal or State law is included under the definition of client.

(2)           "Agency" means the State Division of Social Services and the county departments of social services, unless separately identified.

(3)           "Client information" or "client record" means any information received in connection with the performance of any function of the agency, including information stored in computer systems.

(4)           "Director" means the head of the State Division of Social Services or the county departments of social services.

(5)           "Delegated representative" means anyone designated by the director to carry out the responsibilities established by the rules in this Chapter. Designation is implied when the assigned duties of an employee require access to confidential information.

(6)           "Court order" means any order from a judge or a written document from a judicial employee that directs the release of client information.

(7)           "Service provider" means any public or private entity or individual from whom the agency purchases services, or authorizes the provision of services provided or purchased by other divisions of the Department of Health and Human Services.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 108A‑80; 143B‑153;

Eff. October 1, 1981;

Readopted Eff. September 1, 2019.