Support Group Attendee Agreement, Liability and Disclaimer
ANAD’s support groups are not group therapy, do not substitute for treatment and shall not take the place of such but offer ongoing support and community for those suffering from eating disorders.
Confidentiality: All members of the group are required to maintain confidentiality of the identity of members and discussions that take place in group. I understand that what is discussed in the group is not to be discussed outside of the group or with others with the exception of members who specifically agree to meet or talk to each other outside of group and limit their discussion to their own issues, not discussing anyone else in the group or what other members have shared. However, there are no laws governing the confidentiality of support groups and my confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. I understand and agree that if ANAD or my group leader determines that I have violated the confidentiality of another group member, I may not be permitted to continue participating in the group.
Group Leader: The support group will be run by an approved individual who has been trained as an ANAD Support Group Leader to run an eating disorder support group. Supervisors may or may not attend groups but are considered members of the group such that the group leader will share information about the group members and the discussions that take place in the group with supervisors if necessary.
Appropriateness for A Support Group: The support group leader will determine appropriateness for individuals becoming a member or remaining a member of the group using their best judgment and possible consultation with the supervisor. If an individual is not appropriate for the support group due to severity of illness, suicidality or other reason(s), it is the duty of the leader to not approve joining or continuing the group and refer the person to other resources or level of care. Suicidal members will be referred immediately and appropriate agencies or persons will be contacted.
Virtual Support Groups: The same confidentiality requirements that apply to in-person support group meetings also apply to virtual support groups. I understand that any video conferencing and other electronic technology used to facilitate virtual support groups may not be secured or encrypted, and that my use thereof presents potential risks including, but not limited to, service interruptions, unauthorized access or interception by third parties outside of the group, and technical difficulties. I further understand that, if I decide to participate in virtual support group meetings, it is my responsibility to do so in an appropriate manner and in an appropriate location in order to prevent individuals outside of the group from participating or receiving inadvertent disclosures of confidential information, including, but not limited to, the identity of group members and discussions that take place in the virtual support group. I further acknowledge and agree that group members are not permitted to record virtual support group meetings, and I will not record virtual support group meetings in any manner. However, I understand the risk that virtual support group meetings may be recorded by other members, notwithstanding ANAD’s policy to the contrary.
Liability and Disclaimer: I agree that my involvement in the ANAD eating disorder support group is a peer lead group and not a replacement for therapy or treatment. I understand that the group leader is not a licensed professional and cannot provide medical or psychological advice. It is my responsibility to use this group as a supplement to any professional care or treatment I might need. I understand that ANAD, the support group leader and other members of the group are not responsible for me or my condition or the decisions I choose to make. I understand and agree that ANAD is able to use de identified data that I provide via surveys and interviews for improvement of services.
Accordingly, in consideration of being allowed to participate in the ANAD eating disorder support groups, I, on my own behalf and on behalf of my heirs, executors and administrators, do hereby forever release from liability and waive my right to sue ANAD and its employees, officers, leaders, volunteers and agents (collectively, “ANAD Personnel”) for any and all claims I may have now or in the future have against any ANAD Personnel in connection with, related to or resulting from my participation in the ANAD eating disorder support groups or any incidental activity, including, but not limited to, any negligent act or omission by any ANAD Personnel.
