Privacy Practices
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL/MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
Effective June 5th 2018
We at SCT Counseling and respect the privacy of our clients. We are dedicated to protecting the privacy of your protected health information (PHI) by complying with applicable federal and state privacy and confidentiality laws.
This Notice of Privacy Practices reviews how SCT Counseling uses and discloses your PHI, in accordance with applicable law; in addition to discussing how you may gain access of your PHI.
SCT Counseling USES AND DISCLOSURES of PHI:
Treatment- SCT Counseling may utilize your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your health care and additional services related to your health care. This includes but is not limited to consulting with other health care professionals, family sessions, referrals and clinical professional supervision.
Health Care Operations- SCT Counseling may use your PHI to measure the performance and operation of our practice. This includes, but is not limited to the following:· review of treatment procedures, review of business activities, certification, staff training, compliance and licensing activities.
Other uses and Disclosers without your consent: SCT Counseling may use your PHI in situations required by law. This includes, but is not limited to the following: suicidal or homicidal ideations, child and/or elder abuse and other state and federal law requirements.
Requiring your Consent:
Psychotherapy note: SCT Counseling therapists document each session which are for your therapist use only. Your psychotherapy notes will not be shared with third parties unless we have received written consent.
Marketing- Per your permission, SCT Counseling may use quotes and/or reviews for the purpose of marketing with you permission ONLY. Note: Identifiable information is NEVER released i.e. name, age, birthday, location.
Other Uses and Disclosures- Uses and disclosures other than those described above will only occur with your written authorization. I.E- speaking with your doctor, family members, attorney or job. You are allowed to revoke authorization at any time, without explanation.
YOUR INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS:
Right to inspect and copy of your mental health and billing records- You have the right to obtain a copy and/or inspect your proceeded health information; however, under some circumstances, this request may be denied. should your request be denied, SCT Counseling is willing to discuss why.
Rights to Record Restrictions- You may request restrictions on the request of your protected health information. SCT Counseling is not mandated to honor your request. SCT Counseling will NEVER contact you insurance company.
Rights to Disclosure- You have the right to receive an accounting of disclosures of your PHI that you did not disclose.
Rights to Request Amendment of Your Records: You have the right to request an amendment in your records, however SCT is not required to oblige.
Rights to Alternative Communication- You may request alternative communication. SCT Counseling will accommodate, reasonable written request for you to receive alternative means of communication or at alternative locations.
Rights to Cultural/Spiritual/gender issues- You may request services from someone with training or experiences from specific cultural, spiritual, or gender orientation. If these services are not available we will help you with the referral processes.
Rights to Ask Questions or File Complaints. If you desire further information about your privacy rights, or are concerned that SCT Counseling has violated your privacy rights, you may contact Shannon Terry. Should no resolve take place, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by sending a letter to 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201 or calling 1-877-696-6775. SCT Counseling will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Right to Obtain Notice- You have the right to obtain a paper copy of this Notice by submitting a request at any time. You may also access this from electronically.