Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in section II Strategic Elements. This includes—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
III. b. 6. D. Privacy Safeguards
Describe the privacy safeguards incorporated in the State’s workforce development system, including safeguards required by section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g) and other applicable Federal laws.
Current Narrative:
NJDOL has issued guidance to the local Workforce Development Areas regarding privacy. This guidance provided the local areas with the federal requirements pertaining to the handling of personally identifiable information for both hard and electronic records. The guidance also required all local areas to develop documented policies that ensure compliance with the federal requirements. As part of its regular monitoring, the Program Compliance Unit will verify that these polices have been developed and are being implemented. Additionally, the WDB Coordination and Support Team will incorporate privacy safeguards into the professional development that will is provided to all One-Stop staff. Training and monitoring will be updated to reflect the most current statutes and interpretations to ensure that all staff are regularly made aware of, and comply with, the provisions of the law. Requirements related to the General Education Provisions Act are covered by Department of Education funded programs as indicated in the definition of applicable program in 20 U.S.C.S. 1221.
The DVRS Case Service Policy Manual, updated November 2019, covers privacy in Section 1.8, Confidentiality and the Release of Information. Training is provided to every counselor to ensure understanding of confidentiality and ethical standards and practices, especially related to new challenges in use of social media, new partnerships, and data sharing.
The Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a division of the New Jersey Department of Human Services, and as such, is subject to comply with all privacy safeguards enumerated in Administrative Order: 2.01 (Confidential Information and Client Records) that was issued on March 17, 2016. This includes compliance with all privacy safeguards established in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The Department of Human Services is considered a covered entity under HIPAA, and all divisions follow those stringent privacy protocols. Pursuant to N.J.A.C 10:91-5.6, participant information maintained by the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) shall not be released without the written consent of the participant, or upon Court Order. A participant may authorize the release of confidential information and medical records to or from the agency by signing the “Authorization to Disclose Information Form,” consenting to the release of information.