Nonlegal Issues That May Present Barriers to Information Sharing

Greenberg and Levy (1992) note that the following nonlegal issues may present barriers to information sharing:

• "Professional ethics: In some instances, professionals may indicate that 'professional standards' preclude releasing information. Even though there may be no express statutory prohibition, the professional may have both ethical and legal concerns." (p. 10)

• "Long-standing practice: Organizations may have established ways of operating that are accepted simply because 'things have always been done that way.' Staff may assume that these policies, procedures, or practices derive their authority from laws or regulations, even though many do not." (p. 10)

• "Lack of understanding: Staff may be resistant if they do not understand why information is being requested. (pp. 10-11)

• "Objections to the proposed use: Resistance also may come because of concerns about how the information will be used. There may be a fear that information on a client will be used for punitive purposes." (p. 11)

• "Need for trust: ... Even when an individual clearly has consented to the sharing of information, some staff simply will not be comfortable releasing information to a person or agency who they do not know and trust." (p. 12)