Notice of Privacy Practices

This notice describes how medical information about you and your child may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.

I. My pledge regarding health information

I understand that health information about you and your health care is personal, and I am committed to protecting it. I create a record of the care and services you receive in order to provide quality care and to comply with legal requirements. This notice applies to all records of your care generated by this practice. It describes the ways I may use and disclose health information about you, your rights regarding that information, and my obligations regarding its use and disclosure.

I am required by law to: keep protected health information ("PHI") that identifies you private; give you this notice of my legal duties and privacy practices; and follow the terms of the notice currently in effect. I may change the terms of this notice, and changes will apply to all information I have about you. The new notice will be available upon request, in my office, and on my website.

II. How I may use and disclose health information about you

Treatment, payment, or health care operations. Federal privacy rules allow health care providers with a direct treatment relationship to use or disclose your PHI without written authorization for treatment, payment, or operations — for example, consultations with other providers, coordination of care, and insurance billing.

Lawsuits and disputes. I may disclose PHI in response to a court or administrative order. I may disclose PHI about your child in response to subpoenas or lawful requests, only if attempts have been made to notify you or to obtain a protective order.

III. Certain uses and disclosures require your authorization

Session notes. I keep "Session Notes." Their use or disclosure requires your authorization unless: (a) used for treating you; (b) used to train or supervise associates; (c) used to defend myself in legal proceedings; (d) used by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to investigate HIPAA compliance; (e) required by law; (f) required for health oversight activities; (g) required for coroners; or (h) required to avert serious threats to health or safety.

Marketing & sale of PHI. I will not use or disclose PHI for marketing purposes, and I will not sell PHI in the regular course of business.

IV. Certain uses and disclosures do not require your authorization

The law permits or requires certain uses and disclosures without your authorization, including:

• When required by law or state/federal regulations;
• Public health activities, including abuse reporting;
• Health oversight activities, audits, and investigations;
• Judicial and administrative proceedings;
• Law enforcement purposes;
• Coroners or medical examiners;
• Research purposes;
• Specialized government functions (military, intelligence, corrections);
• Workers' compensation purposes;
• Appointment reminders and information about treatment alternatives or benefits.

V. Certain disclosures require you to have the opportunity to object

Disclosures to family, friends, or others involved in your care or payment may be made unless you object. Retroactive consent may be obtained in emergency situations.

VI. Your rights regarding your PHI

You have the right to:

• Request limits on uses and disclosures for treatment, payment, and operations;
• Request restrictions for out-of-pocket expenses paid in full;
• Choose how PHI is sent to you (e.g., mail or email);
• See and get copies of your PHI (excluding Session Notes);
• Get a list of disclosures made for purposes other than treatment, payment, or operations;
• Correct or update your PHI;
• Receive a paper or electronic copy of this notice.

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the practice using the contact information below, or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.

Contact

Questions about this notice or your information? Contact Thrive Speech and Language Therapy, LLC — Danna Mejia, M.S., CCC-SLP, 455 Fairway Dr, Suite 228, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 · contact@thriveslptherapy.com · (954) 281-6818 · Fax (561) 372-5444.