Policies & Disclosures

Part 1: Client Rights, Staff Commitments, and Quality Assurance

At Chicago Integrated Health (CIH), we are committed to upholding the highest standards of care, confidentiality, and professionalism. Our healing-informed approach is supported by ethical practices, client protections, and ongoing staff development to ensure excellence in service delivery.

1. HIPAA Compliance
CIH complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect the privacy and security of all client health information. We utilize secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms for documentation and communication. Clients have the right to:

  • Access and request amendments to their medical records

  • Be informed about who has viewed their records

  • Receive a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices

2. Confidentiality Statement
All information shared by clients in therapy, case management, or health services remains confidential and will not be disclosed without prior written consent, except when:

  • There is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult

  • There is imminent danger to the client or others

  • A court order requires disclosure

Maintaining confidentiality is a cornerstone of trust and safety in our work.

3. Informed Consent
Before beginning services, all clients are required to complete an Informed Consent form, which outlines:

  • The purpose and scope of services

  • The roles and responsibilities of both client and provider

  • Potential benefits and risks of services

  • Alternatives to participation

  • The right to withdraw consent or terminate services at any time

This process ensures that every client has the information they need to make empowered choices regarding their care.

4. Release of Information
Client information will only be shared externally with the completion of a signed Release of Information (ROI) form, which must clearly specify:

  • What information is to be shared

  • The name of the individual or agency receiving it

  • The reason for the disclosure

  • The period of validity

Clients may revoke their release in writing at any time. We do not disclose information beyond what is authorized.

5. Mandatory Quarterly Trainings
To ensure we remain aligned with best practices and our mission, all CIH team members are required to attend quarterly mandatory trainings focused on:

  • Personal development – Emotional resilience, self-care, cultural humility

  • Professional growth – Ethics, evidence-based practice, healing-informed care, and equity-driven frameworks

These trainings are vital to cultivating a responsive, informed, and empathetic workforce.

6. Quarterly Documentation Review & Compliance Checks
In addition to training, CIH conducts a quarterly internal review of all clinical and operational documentation. This includes:

  • Reviewing client files, case notes, and documentation procedures

  • Ensuring adherence to HIPAA, ethical standards, and internal policies

  • Identifying areas for improvement and reinforcing accountability

This quality assurance process allows us to maintain compliance with legal, professional, and organizational expectations while enhancing our service delivery.

Part 2: Independent Contractor Requirements

As part of our commitment to compliance, safety, and high-quality care, all licensed professionals contracted under a 1099 agreement with Chicago Integrated Health (CIH) must adhere to the following requirements:

1. Professional Liability (Malpractice) Insurance
All licensed 1099 contractors (including, but not limited to, LCSWs, LCPCs, LMFTs, PsyDs, PhDs, and MDs) are required to carry professional liability insurance coverage with the following terms:

  • Coverage Amount: Minimum of $3 million per occurrence and $5 million aggregate annually

  • Policy Type: Individual malpractice or professional liability insurance

  • Carrier Requirements: Insurance must be through a reputable and recognized provider authorized to do business in the state of Illinois

2. Additional Insured
Chicago Integrated Health must be listed as an additional insured on your liability policy. This designation ensures that CIH is covered under the policy in the event of a claim related to services provided on behalf of the organization.

Please ensure that the policy includes the following language or its equivalent:
Chicago Integrated Health, 4747 Lincoln Mall Dr., Suite 600, Matteson, IL 60443
must be named as an additional insured on the certificate of insurance.

3. Required Certification & Training
All 1099 licensed professionals are expected to demonstrate competency in their area of practice by completing relevant continuing education and certification programs. We strongly recommend and may require:

  • Completion of certification courses through PESI or other CIH-approved training providers in areas such as trauma-informed care, ethics, clinical supervision, or other role-relevant specialties

  • Ongoing professional development aligned with evidence-based and healing-informed practices

Proof of certification must be submitted as part of your onboarding and maintained throughout the duration of your contract.

4. Submission Requirements
A current Certificate of Insurance (COI) must be submitted prior to the start of services and updated annually or upon renewal. Failure to provide proof of insurance may result in suspension or termination of your contract with CIH.