Confidentiality

Confidentiality is the foundation of safety, dignity, and trust at Troopers. Our mission is to provide a structured, recovery-focused living environment where individuals can rebuild their lives without fear of stigma, judgment, or exposure. To protect this mission, Troopers enforces a strict and comprehensive confidentiality policy that applies to all residents, staff, volunteers, contractors, visitors, and affiliates who come into contact with Troopers programs, homes, or offices.

This agreement is not optional. It is a condition of residency, participation, and employment within Troopers.

1. Scope of Confidentiality

This policy applies to all spaces, communications, and activities within Troopers, including but not limited to:

  • Residences and Transitional Homes: All interactions, conversations, group sessions, conflicts, or events occurring inside Troopers housing are private.

  • Troopers Offices: Administrative discussions, case management, incident reports, staff meetings, and program operations are protected.

  • Program Services: Recovery groups, life-skills classes, therapy appointments, psychiatric sessions, medication management, and probation/parole coordination.

  • Records and Documentation: Resident files, medication logs, progress notes, incident reports, and any electronic or paper records maintained by Troopers.

  • Electronic Communications: Texts, emails, online platforms, and any form of digital correspondence involving Troopers staff or residents.

No information, in whole or in part, may be shared outside Troopers unless explicitly authorized by law or written resident consent.

2. Prohibited Actions

  • Disclosure to Outsiders: Residents must not tell anyone outside Troopers—including family, friends, community members, employers, or strangers—about what occurs inside Troopers housing, offices, or programs.

  • Gossip & Peer Breaches: Residents may not repeat or spread private information about fellow residents, whether true or false. Gossip is a breach of confidentiality.

  • Social Media & Technology: Recording, photographing, or posting about Troopers homes, staff, residents, or activities on social media is prohibited.

  • Sharing Program Operations: Information about schedules, rules, disciplinary actions, medication protocols, or security procedures must not be shared outside Troopers.

  • Third-Party Disclosure: Residents may not discuss another resident’s probation/parole status, medical history, or recovery journey with anyone not authorized in writing.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Troopers voluntarily adopts confidentiality practices consistent with:

  • NMAC 7.32.8 (Behavioral Health Services) — requires confidentiality and protection of client rights.

  • 42 CFR Part 2 — protects the confidentiality of individuals receiving substance use disorder services.

  • HIPAA Standards — while Troopers is not a HIPAA-covered entity, we model our privacy practices on HIPAA protections to ensure maximum security of resident information.

  • NM Human Rights Act — guarantees dignity, equality, and respect for all individuals in recovery.

  • Mandatory Reporting Laws (NMSA §32A-4-3) — staff must report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children or vulnerable adults.

Troopers complies fully with all applicable laws and regulations while upholding its own higher standard of confidentiality.

4. Enforcement and Consequences

Confidentiality is non-negotiable. Any violation of this agreement will result in immediate consequences, including dismissal from the program.

  • Resident Violations: Sharing information outside Troopers, gossiping about peers, posting on social media, or breaching confidentiality in any form will result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate discharge from housing and permanent ban from Troopers programs. Probation/parole officers will be notified if applicable.

  • Staff Violations: Any staff member who breaches confidentiality will face disciplinary review, corrective action, and possible termination of employment.

  • Legal Referral: Serious breaches that endanger residents or expose sensitive records may result in legal action or law enforcement involvement.

5. Resident and Staff Responsibilities

  • Respecting Peers: What another resident shares in groups, meetings, or private conversations must remain private.

  • Protecting Records: Files, notes, and documents are for staff use only. Residents may not access the records of others.

  • Maintaining Trust: Confidentiality is part of community accountability. Each resident and staff member must protect the privacy of the community at all times.

  • Asking Before Sharing: If there is any doubt about whether information may be shared, residents and staff must seek written approval before disclosing.

6. Acknowledgment of Confidentiality

By entering Troopers property, residing in a Troopers home, or participating in any Troopers program, activity, or group, you acknowledge and agree to this Confidentiality Agreement in full.

You understand that:

  • All activities, communications, and records within Troopers are confidential.

  • Sharing information outside Troopers is prohibited and will result in removal.

  • Confidentiality protects not just individuals but the safety and integrity of the entire program.

  • Compliance with this agreement is required by New Mexico law and Troopers policy.

Troopers is a place to rebuild, recover, and rise. Protecting confidentiality is the responsibility of every resident, staff member, and visitor. By keeping Troopers private, we keep Troopers safe.