Notice of Privacy Practices

    This notice describes:

    • How medical information about you may be used and disclosed,
    • Your rights with respect to your medical information,
    • How to exercise your right to get copies of your records at limited cost or, in some cases, free of charge, and
    • How to file a complaint concerning a violation of the privacy or security of your medical information or of your rights concerning your information, including your right to inspect or get copies of your records under HIPAA.

    You have a right to a copy of this notice (in paper or electronic form) and to discuss it with the onsite Compliance Officer at 520-324-3248 or yolanda.felix@childrensclinics.org if you have any questions. Please review this notice carefully.

    Our Legal Responsibilities

    Children’s Clinics for Rehabilitative Services is required by law to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (PHI). PHI includes any information created or received that relates to your health, healthcare services, or payment for healthcare that can be used to identify you. We follow the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations to protect this information. We do not share your data, including mobile data, with third parties for marketing purposes. Your mobile data will not be transferred to external organizations. We have implemented policies to prevent unauthorized sharing of user data. We also do not transfer your PHI data to third parties outside of what is outlined below.

    How We Use and Disclose Your PHI

    Treatment

    We may use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare and related services. This may include communication with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment. We also participate in the state health information exchange (HIE), which allows secure electronic sharing of PHI with other healthcare providers and entities involved in your care.

    Payment

    We may use and disclose your PHI to obtain payment for the services we provide. This includes sharing information with insurance companies or other payers.

    Healthcare Operations

    We may use and disclose your PHI for healthcare operations, such as quality assessments, training, and internal audits to improve the quality of care provided.

    Other Permitted Uses and Disclosures

    • Patient Census: If you are admitted to a facility, your name, location, and general condition may be included in a directory unless you opt out.
    • Family Members and Others Involved in Your Care: We may disclose PHI to individuals involved in your care unless you object.
    • Research: We may disclose PHI for research purposes in accordance with applicable laws.
    • Required by Law: We will disclose PHI when required by federal or state laws.
    • Public Health & Safety: We may disclose PHI for public health activities, safety threats, and certain government functions.
    • Law Enforcement & Legal Requests: We may disclose PHI as required to comply with law enforcement or judicial orders.
    • Organ and Tissue Donation: We may disclose PHI for organ or tissue donation processes.

    SMS Messaging and Communication

    Our clinical team members may communicate with patients via text messages to coordinate care, provide updates, and share important healthcare information. These messages are not automated and replying “STOP” will not automatically end messaging. If you wish to discontinue SMS communication, please notify your care team directly.

    • Message Frequency: You may receive text messages as needed based on your care coordination.
    • Opting Out: You have the right to opt out of SMS messaging at any time. To stop receiving text messages, please inform your care team in person, via phone, SMS, or through other available contact methods.
    • Data Security: While we take steps to protect your information, SMS messaging is not a fully secure method of communication. Please avoid sharing sensitive medical information via text.
    • Third-Party Services: Text messages may be transmitted through third-party providers that comply with applicable privacy and security regulations.

    Your Rights

    • Right to Access: You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI at limited cost or, in some cases, free of charge.
    • Right to Request Amendments: You can request corrections to your PHI if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete.
    • Right to Request Restrictions: You may request restrictions on how we use and disclose your PHI, though we are not always required to agree.
    • Right to Accounting of Disclosures: You can request a list of disclosures we have made of your PHI, except for those related to treatment, payment, or operations.
    • Right to Confidential Communications: You may request to receive communications about your health in a specific way or location.
    • Right to File a Complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

    Changes to This Notice

    We reserve the right to update this notice. Any changes will apply to all PHI we maintain and will be available upon request and posted in our facilities.

    Contact Information

    For questions or more information about this notice, please contact: 520-324-3248 or yolanda.felix@childrensclinics.org.

    Effective Date: 02/28/2025