HIPAA Privacy Policy for Serenity United Home Companion Care
Effective Date: December 5, 2024
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
Serenity United Home Companion Care ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to maintaining the privacy of your protected health information (PHI). This Notice of Privacy Practices outlines how we may use or disclose your PHI to provide services, process payments, or perform operational activities, as well as your rights concerning your health information. PHI refers to identifiable information about your past, present, or future physical or mental health and related care services.
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Our Responsibilities
We are legally obligated to:
- Maintain the privacy of your PHI.
- Provide you with this Notice detailing our legal duties and privacy practices.
- Adhere to the terms outlined in this Notice.
We reserve the right to revise this Notice, and changes will apply to all PHI we maintain. A revised Notice will be available upon request.
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Your Health Information Rights
You have the following rights regarding your PHI:
1. Receive a Copy of this Notice
You can request a paper copy of this Notice at any time by contacting our Privacy Officer.
2. Request Restrictions
You may request restrictions on the use or disclosure of your PHI for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. You can also request restrictions on disclosures to individuals involved in your care. While we are not required to agree to all requests, we must comply if you have paid out-of-pocket in full for a service and request that related PHI not be disclosed to your health plan. Submit written requests to our Privacy Officer.
3. Inspect and Obtain Copies of Your PHI
You may review or request copies of your PHI from medical or billing records. Requests must be made in writing, and reasonable fees may apply for copies or electronic transfers. In certain cases, we may deny access, but you can request a review of the decision by contacting our Privacy Officer.
4. Request Amendments
If you believe your PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment. Your request must be in writing and include a reason for the change. We may deny requests under specific conditions, but you can submit a statement of disagreement.
5. Receive an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of certain disclosures of your PHI made by us, excluding those made for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, or disclosures authorized by you. Requests must be made in writing and may not exceed six years from the date of the request.
6. Request Alternative Communications
You may request that we contact you in specific ways (e.g., sending mail to a different address). Submit requests in writing to the Privacy Officer, and we will accommodate reasonable requests.
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How We Use and Disclose Your PHI
The following are examples of how your PHI may be used or disclosed:
1. For Treatment
PHI may be shared among healthcare providers to coordinate your care.
2. For Payment
PHI may be used to bill you or third-party payors.
3. For Healthcare Operations
PHI may be used to improve the quality and effectiveness of services provided.
Other permitted uses and disclosures include:
- Business Associates: PHI may be disclosed to contractors performing services on our behalf, with agreements in place to protect your privacy.
- Individuals Involved in Your Care: PHI may be shared with family members or friends involved in your care, unless you object.
- Public Health and Safety: PHI may be disclosed to authorities to prevent or control disease or to report adverse events.
- Legal Obligations: PHI may be disclosed in response to subpoenas, court orders, or other legal processes.
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Special Situations
PHI may also be used or disclosed in the following scenarios:
- Worker’s Compensation: To comply with laws related to workplace injuries.
- Research: With appropriate approvals to ensure confidentiality.
- Law Enforcement: For legal processes or as required by law.
- Military and National Security: For authorized activities, including intelligence and protective services.
- To Avert Harm: When necessary to prevent a serious threat to health or safety.
- Victims of Abuse or Neglect: To report abuse or neglect when required or permitted by law.
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Other Uses Requiring Authorization
Uses or disclosures not described in this Notice will require your written authorization. You may revoke your authorization at any time by providing a written notice, except for disclosures already made based on your previous consent.
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Data Breach Notification
In the event of a breach involving your PHI, we will notify you as required by law.
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Compliance with Laws
We adhere to all applicable federal and state laws concerning PHI.
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Contact Information
If you have questions or wish to exercise your rights, contact:
Privacy Officer
Serenity United Home Companion Care
Email: serenityunitedhomecare@gmail.com
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our Privacy Officer or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Filing a complaint will not result in retaliation.
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This Notice is effective as of the date listed above.