Health Information Policy
1. Introduction This policy outlines our commitment to protecting the privacy and security of our clients’ personal health information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state laws.
2. Privacy Practices We collect personal health information (PHI) directly from our clients or their healthcare providers. This information is used solely for the purpose of providing effective counseling services, billing, and as required or permitted by law.
3. Patient Rights Patients at Bellevue Family Counseling have several rights regarding their PHI:
- Right to Access: Patients can inspect and obtain a copy of their PHI.
- Right to Amend: Patients may request corrections to their PHI if they believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.
- Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: Patients can request a list of non-routine disclosures we have made.
- Right to Request Restrictions: Patients may request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of their PHI.
- Right to Confidential Communications: Patients can request to receive communications about their health information through alternative means or at alternative locations.
4. Use and Disclosure of Information PHI will be used and disclosed primarily for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. We will obtain written permission from clients for other uses and disclosures, with certain exceptions as required by law, such as for public health purposes, reporting suspected abuse, or preventing a serious threat to health or safety.
5. Security Measures We maintain comprehensive physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to protect PHI against unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction. These include secure electronic systems, controlled access to our facilities, and staff training on data privacy.
6. Breach Notification Should there be a breach of unsecured PHI, we will notify affected individuals as required by law. This notification will include information about what happened and what can be done to mitigate any potential harm.
7. Complaints Process Clients who believe their privacy rights have been violated can file a complaint with our office or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, without fear of retaliation.
8. Changes to This Policy We reserve the right to change the terms of this policy at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon the release of a revised privacy policy and will be made available to all clients.
9. Contact Information For further information about our Health Information Policy, or to contact our Privacy Officer, please use the following:
- Bellevue Family Counseling
- [email protected]
- (425)-947-5030
10. Effective Date This policy is effective as of 4/30/2024.