PACIFIC ACUPUNCTURE PLACES UTMOST IMPORTANCE ON SAFEGUARDING OUR PATIENTS' CONFIDENTIAL HEALTH INFORMATION AND ADHERING TO HIPAA REGULATIONS. PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY TO UNDERSTAND HOW WE FULFILL OUR COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING OUR PATIENTS' SENSITIVE HEALTH INFORMATION.
To ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of our patient’s protected health information, we have implemented several measures to maintain its accuracy and accessibility.
Our HIPAA Compliance approach includes the following:
- Conducting regular employee training sessions to reinforce the significance of patient privacy and HIPAA regulations.
- Implementing strict access controls to restrict PHI access to only authorized personnel.
- Performing periodic security risk assessments to identify and resolve potential vulnerabilities.
- Encrypting PHI during transit and at rest to maintain its confidentiality.
- Creating physical and technical safeguards to protect PHI against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
- Establishing an incident response plan to address breaches of PHI promptly.
- Monitoring and reporting compliance to ensure continued adherence to HIPAA regulations.
We are committed to upholding PHI protection, regularly reviewing and updating our policies and procedures to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations. Our goal is to maintain our patients' trust by keeping their PHI confidential and secure while seeking ways to improve our practices to continue to serve you better.
Understanding the Use and Disclosure of Your Protected Health Information (PHI) for Medical Treatment and Beyond
Here are some ways we may use and disclose your Protected Health Information (PHI):
- We may share your PHI with healthcare personnel involved in your medical care without your signed authorization.
- Your PHI may be released when required or permitted by law, such as in judicial settings, health oversight regulatory agencies, and law enforcement.
- Outside companies that help operate our medical spa services may receive your PHI, including accounting, auditing, and other business associates.
- We may disclose your PHI in emergencies to prevent serious health and safety situations or report abuse and neglect.
- Medical examiners, coroners, or funeral directors may receive your PHI to assist them in performing their duties.
- Organ, tissue, and other donation organizations may receive your PHI upon your death, provided there is no indication of your donation preferences.
- Your PHI may be disclosed to family members, relatives, or others involved in your healthcare or payment thereof unless you object.
- You may receive reminders of appointments, treatment alternatives, and other health-related benefits and services through your PHI.
- The sponsor of your health plan may receive your PHI.
- We may have to disclose your PHI due to international, federal, state, or local law.
If we need to use or share your PHI for purposes not mentioned above, we will request your written authorization beforehand.
Your Rights Under HIPAA
As a patient, it's crucial to know your rights under HIPAA. These rights consist of the following:
- Breach Notification: You have the right to be notified in case of a breach of your unsecured PHI.
- Authorization Revocation: You can revoke your authorization for us to use or disclose your PHI.
- Accounting of Disclosures: You can request a list of the disclosures of your PHI made by us in the past six years.
- Notice Copy: You have the right to receive a copy of this notice in electronic or paper format.
- Complaint Filing: You can file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated, and we will not retaliate against you.
If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact us at https://www.pacificacupuncturecenter.com/contact-us. We are committed to helping you and safeguarding your rights.
Our Responsibilities Toward You
As per HIPAA, we have certain obligations to fulfill, which include the following:
- Privacy Protection: We adhere to HIPAA regulations to ensure the confidentiality of your PHI and take it seriously.
- Notification of Practices: We will provide you with a notice informing you of our practices and legal obligations regarding your PHI.
- Notice Updates: If we make any changes to our notice, we will apply those changes retrospectively to all PHI we have.
- Compliance with Regulations: We are committed to following the provisions mentioned in our notice and any subsequent updates to it as per HIPAA regulations.
Privacy Contact
Please feel free to reach out to us at info@pacificacupuncturecenter.com if you require additional information or have any questions or concerns regarding Pacific Acupuncture's HIPAA practices. We would be happy to assist you.
