Privacy Practices

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES FOR ISSUES OF LIFE, INC.

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

PLEDGE REGARDING HEALTH INFORMATION

Issues of Life, Inc. understands that health information about you and your health care is personal. Issues of Life, Inc. is committed to protecting that information. Issues of Life, Inc. creates a record of the care and services you receive from this practice. This record is necessary to provide you with quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements.

This notice applies to all records of your care generated by this mental health practice. This notice explains the ways in which Issues of Life, Inc. may use and disclose your health information, describes your rights regarding the health information Issues of Life, Inc. keeps about you, and outlines certain obligations Issues of Life, Inc. has regarding the use and disclosure of your health information.

Issues of Life, Inc. is required by law to:

  • Make sure that protected health information (“PHI”) that identifies you is kept private.

  • Give you this notice of its legal duties and privacy practices with respect to health information.

  • Follow the terms of the notice currently in effect.

Issues of Life, Inc. may change the terms of this Notice, and any changes will apply to all information it has about you. The updated Notice will be available upon request, in the office, and on the website.

HOW ISSUES OF LIFE, INC. MAY USE AND DISCLOSE HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU

The categories below describe different ways Issues of Life, Inc. may use and disclose health information. Not every use or disclosure is listed, but all permitted uses and disclosures fall within these categories.

For Treatment, Payment, or Health Care Operations

Federal privacy rules allow health providers to use or disclose a patient’s personal health information without written authorization for treatment, payment, and health care operations.

Issues of Life, Inc. may also disclose your PHI for the treatment activities of another health care provider without your authorization. For example, if a clinician consults with another licensed provider about your condition, Issues of Life, Inc. may share the necessary information to support diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment disclosures are not limited to the “minimum necessary” rule because providers need full access to your record to provide quality care. “Treatment” includes coordination of care, consultations, and referrals.

Lawsuits and Disputes

If you are involved in a lawsuit, Issues of Life, Inc. may disclose health information in response to a court or administrative order. Information regarding your child may also be disclosed in response to a subpoena or other lawful process, but only after reasonable efforts to notify you or secure a protective order.

CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION
Psychotherapy Notes

Issues of Life, Inc. keeps “psychotherapy notes” as defined in 45 CFR § 164.501. Use or disclosure of these notes requires your written authorization unless the use or disclosure is:

a. For treatment by Issues of Life, Inc.
b. For training or supervision of mental health practitioners.
c. For defense in legal proceedings initiated by you.
d. For investigation by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
e. Required by law, limited to legal requirements.
f. Required for health oversight activities.
g. Required by a coroner performing lawful duties.
h. Needed to prevent or lessen a serious threat to health or safety.

Marketing Purposes

Issues of Life, Inc. will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing.

Sale of PHI

Issues of Life, Inc. will not sell your PHI.

CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES DO NOT REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION

Issues of Life, Inc. may use or disclose your PHI without authorization for:

  • Requirements of state or federal law

  • Public health activities (e.g., reporting abuse, preventing harm)

  • Health oversight activities, including audits

  • Judicial or administrative proceedings

  • Law enforcement purposes, including reporting crimes on the premises

  • Coroners or medical examiners performing lawful duties

  • Research purposes

  • Specialized government functions (military, national security, etc.)

  • Workers’ compensation, as permitted by law

  • Appointment reminders and information about treatment alternatives or services offered by Issues of Life, Inc.

CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE AN OPPORTUNITY TO OBJECT

Issues of Life, Inc. may disclose your PHI to family members, friends, or others involved in your care or payment for your care unless you object in whole or in part. In emergencies, consent may be obtained after the fact.

YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR PHI
1. Right to Request Limits

You may ask Issues of Life, Inc. not to use or disclose certain PHI for treatment, payment, or operations. Issues of Life, Inc. is not required to agree and may decline if the restriction could affect your care.

2. Right to Restrict Disclosures for Fully Self-Paid Services

If you pay in full out-of-pocket for a service, you may request that Issues of Life, Inc. not disclose that information to your health plan.

3. Right to Choose How PHI Is Communicated

You may request that Issues of Life, Inc. contact you in a specific way (e.g., only by mail or at a certain phone number). Reasonable requests will be honored.

4. Right to See and Get Copies of Your PHI

Except for psychotherapy notes, you may request an electronic or paper copy of your medical record. Issues of Life, Inc. will provide it within 30 days of receiving your written request and may charge a reasonable fee.

5. Right to a List of Disclosures

You may request a list of disclosures made by Issues of Life, Inc. in the past six years, excluding disclosures for treatment, payment, operations, or those authorized by you. One request per year is free; additional requests may incur a fee.

6. Right to Correct or Update Your PHI

If you believe your PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you may request a correction. Issues of Life, Inc. may deny the request but will provide a written explanation within 60 days.

7. Right to a Paper or Electronic Copy of This Notice

You may request a paper or electronic copy of this Notice at any time, even if you have agreed to receive it electronically.