Navigating consent and ethical considerations when creating digital genograms. Learn about AES-GCM encryption, data ownership, and HIPAA compliance considerations.
Digital genograms contain some of the most sensitive information imaginable: family relationships, medical histories, mental health conditions, substance abuse records, and personal conflicts. As practitioners embrace digital tools, understanding the ethical and legal frameworks governing this data becomes essential.
Family data is inherently sensitive. A genogram may include information about individuals who have not consented to data collection, deceased relatives, and family secrets that have never been documented before. This creates unique privacy challenges.
The client directly providing information must consent to genogram creation. However, genograms inherently include information about third parties—family members who may not be present or even aware of the genogram's existence.
Genograms often contain information about people who cannot consent: deceased relatives, estranged family members, or minor children. Practitioners should document the source of information and be prepared to justify including information about non-consenting parties.
For healthcare providers in the United States, HIPAA governs the handling of protected health information (PHI). Digital genograms containing medical information fall under these regulations.
While GenogramAI implements strong security measures, individual practitioners are responsible for their HIPAA compliance. Key considerations:
Most professional organizations (APA, NASW, AAMFT) have ethical codes addressing confidentiality and record-keeping that apply to digital genograms:
Digital genograms create unique ethical challenges:
A: Generally yes, if the information comes from your client and is clinically relevant. Document the source.
A: This is typically beneficial but use clinical judgment. Some clients may find it overwhelming.
A: Follow your standard records release procedures. Export as PNG or JSON based on the request.
Generally, clinical records (including genograms) belong to the practitioner or practice, while clients have a right to access copies. This follows standard medical records law in most jurisdictions.
Genograms should be retained according to your profession's record retention requirements—typically 7 years after the last contact with adult clients, longer for minors.
Digital genograms offer significant benefits, but they also require thoughtful attention to privacy and ethics. GenogramAI's zero-knowledge encryption provides a strong technical foundation, but practitioners must build on this with appropriate policies, consent processes, and ethical practice. By combining robust technology with professional diligence, we can harness the power of digital tools while protecting the sensitive family information entrusted to us.