Which practice helps protect client privacy and reduce stigma in notes?

• A. Include highly detailed personal identifiers
• B. De-identify information and minimize stigmatizing language while following confidentiality policies and consent
• C. Share notes with family without consent
• D. Archive notes publicly

Answer: (B)

Protecting client privacy and reducing stigma in notes involves handling information in a way that keeps individuals safe and respected. De-identifying information means removing identifiers such as names, addresses, dates of birth, and other details that could reveal who the client is. When notes are de-identified and stigmatizing language is minimized, the documentation protects privacy and reduces the harm caused by labels or stereotypes. This should be done within the agency's confidentiality policies and with proper consent, ensuring that information is shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know. The other approaches undermine privacy or trust: including highly detailed personal identifiers increases the risk of identifying someone; sharing notes with family without consent violates confidentiality; archiving notes publicly exposes sensitive information and can compound stigma.