PCB CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

 

Most information about the activities and operations of Pennsylvania Council of the Blind (PCB) is available to the public. However, officers, directors and employees of PCB will, in the course of their service or employment, have access to information that is not readily available to the public, or to members not acting in an official or employment capacity. It is the policy of PCB that officers, directors and staff may not disclose, divulge, or make accessible confidential information belonging to, or obtained through their affiliation with PCB, to any person, including relatives, friends, and business and professional associates, unless such persons have a legitimate need for such information, and PCB has authorized disclosure. Board members and employees shall use confidential information solely for the purpose of performing service as a board member or employee of PCB.

 

Confidential information includes, but is not limited to:

 

  1. Information about PCB’s finances, including current and future business plans, computer systems, personnel information, and associated documents, unless such information is made available to the public through board meetings or convention minutes, public speeches, the PCB website, or PCB publications;

 

  1. Details of litigation, legal settlements and other legal matters that PCB is involved in, which legal counsel has not authorized for disclosure outside board meetings, or the PCB offices;

 

  1. The names, addresses, and other contact information for PCB members, except as necessary to render assistance to PCB committee members and PCB chapters, or to disseminate materials within the organization;

 

  1. Contact information for current and prospective donors unless such disclosure is made during the course of business and limited to those who need the information to perform tasks related to PCB’s business, or directly related to the donor;

 

  1. Personal information about PCB employees, such as salaries, performance issues, and home telephone numbers or other contact information;

 

  1. Any information obtained from an individual who is consulting PCB in a client-like manner and is receiving assistance or services such as those provided in a counselor/client, or attorneys/client relationship, except that information which the individual gives PCB permission to disclose for the purpose of providing the assistance or services, unless such disclosure is required by law. It is understood that reports of abuse and threats by an individual to harm someone must be reported to authorities, regardless of the individual’s wish to keep the information confidential.

 

The obligation to keep information confidential continues after an employee, board member, or other individual leaves office or employment within PCB. Any board member, staff member, or other individual who purposely, or through a failure to exercise reasonable care, causes confidential information to be disclosed may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination, removal, or other sanctions allowed by law.

 

Statement of Understanding and Agreement

 

In signing this statement, I confirm that I have received a copy of the PCB Confidentiality Policy and agree to abide by the guidelines set forth therein.

 

Signature:

 

Date:

 

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