Sojourner | Protecting Your Health Information

Protecting Your Health Information

At Community Health Alliance, we are committed to safeguarding your protected health information (PHI) in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards as of 2024. Below is a detailed overview of how we handle your PHI, your rights concerning your medical records, and our legal duties in maintaining your privacy.

Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information

Community Health Alliance may use and disclose your PHI under the following circumstances:

1. 1. Treatment: We may share your PHI with healthcare providers involved in your care. For example, if you fall ill and require hospitalization, we will provide the necessary information to the hospital staff to ensure you receive appropriate care.
  2. Payment: Your PHI may be used to process billing and payment claims with your insurance company.
  3. Healthcare Operations: We may use your PHI for activities essential to the functioning of our practice, such as quality assessment, employee reviews, and training.
  4. Legal Requirements: We may disclose your PHI when required by federal, state, or local law.
  5. Public Health and Safety: If you are a potential threat to yourself or others, we may share your PHI with appropriate authorities to prevent harm.
  6. Emergencies: In the event of a medical emergency, we may use or disclose your PHI as necessary to facilitate treatment.

Your Rights Regarding Your Protected Health Information

You have the following rights concerning your PHI:

1. 1. Right to Inspect and Copy: You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI held by us. Requests must be made in writing to our Privacy Officer Jan Darling.
  2. Right to Amend: If you believe your PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you have the right to request an amendment. This request must be made in writing and provide a reason for the amendment.
  3. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to request a list of disclosures of your PHI made by us, except for those made for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.
  4. Right to Request Restrictions: You may request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your PHI. While we are not required to agree to a requested restriction, we will comply if we do agree.
  5. Right to Request Confidential Communications: You can request that we communicate with you using alternative means or at an alternative location.
  6. Right to Complain: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with us or with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Complaints must be submitted in writing.

Our Legal Duties

Community Health Alliance is legally required to:

1. 1. Maintain the Privacy of Your PHI: We must protect your PHI and maintain its confidentiality.
  2. Provide Notice of Privacy Practices: We must provide you with a notice of our legal duties and privacy practices concerning your PHI.
  3. Abide by the Terms of This Notice: We are required to follow the terms of this notice currently in effect.

Contact Information

For further information about our privacy policies or to exercise your rights regarding your PHI, please contact:

Privacy Officer
Jan Darling
jand@tliving.org

Updates to This Notice

We reserve the right to change our privacy practices and this notice. Any changes will apply to all PHI we maintain. We will provide a revised notice at your next appointment or upon request.