HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices effective April 1, 2014

This section describes how your protected health information may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to the information. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY. Use and disclosure of protected health information for the purposes of providing services may occur for the following reasons. State and federal laws allow us to use and disclose your health information for these purposes.

• TREATMENT: I may use and disclose health information to manage or coordinate care with other providers, consultants, or referral sources. If necessary, I will ask you to sign a release of information to specific individuals or agencies.
• PAYMENT: I may use and disclose health information to verify insurance coverage, to process claims, and collect fees.
• HEALTHCARE OPERATIONS: I may use and disclose health information for review of treatment procedures, review of business activities, certification, staff training, compliance and licensing activities

• OTHER USES AND DISCLOSURES WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT: I may use and disclose health information for mandated reporting of abuse or neglect, emergencies, threats of suicide or homicide, criminal damage, appointment scheduling, treatment alternatives, disclosures for national security or law enforcement, and as required by law.

Substance Abuse Records 

Some of the health information we receive or maintain about you may include records related to substance use disorder (SUD) diagnosis, treatment, or referral that are protected by a federal law known as 42 CFR Part 2 (“Part 2”). These records receive additional confidentiality protections beyond those provided under HIPAA. This section applies if: We receive your SUD treatment records from a Part 2 program; or We maintain SUD treatment information that is subject to Part 2 protections. Not all patients will have Part 2–protected records.

If we receive Part 2–protected records and you have provided a valid written consent (including a general consent for treatment, payment, and health care operations where permitted by law), we may use and disclose your Part 2 information for:
a. Treatment – to provide and coordinate your care
b. Payment – to bill and receive payment for services
c. Health Care Operations – for quality improvement, compliance, auditing, and other operational activities

We may also disclose Part 2 information without your consent only when specifically permitted or required by federal law, including: a. Medical emergencies
b. Certain public health activities
c. Health oversight activities authorized by law
d. Court orders that meet Part 2 requirements