Privacy Policy
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION.
OUR OBLIGATIONS: We are required by law to:
- Maintain the privacy of protected health information
- Give you this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices regarding health information about you
- Follow the terms of our notice that is currently in effect
HOW WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE HEAL TH INFORMATION:
Notice Regarding Use and Disclosure of Health Information
At Kompassionate Kare Clinic, we are committed to safeguarding your privacy. The following outlines how we may use and share your identifiable health information (“Health Information”). Except as detailed below, we will not use or disclose your Health Information without your written consent, which you can withdraw at any time by notifying our Privacy Officer in writing.
For Treatment: We may use and share your Health Information to ensure you receive appropriate medical treatment and related health care services. This includes sharing information with doctors, nurses, technicians, and other medical personnel, both within and outside our clinic, who are involved in your care.
For Payment: We may use and share your Health Information for billing purposes, allowing us or other parties to receive payment from you, your insurance company, or a third party for the treatment and services you have received. For instance, we might provide your health plan with information so they can process payment for your care.
For Health Care Operations: We may use and disclose your Health Information for the purpose of health care operations. These activities are crucial for ensuring that all our patients receive high-quality care and for managing our clinic efficiently. For example, we might use your information to assess the quality of obstetrical or gynecological care you receive. Additionally, we may share your information with other entities you are associated with (like your health plan) for their health care operations.
Appointment Reminders, Treatment Alternatives, and Health-Related Services: We may use and disclose your Health Information to remind you of appointments or inform you of treatment alternatives or other health-related benefits and services that might be beneficial to you.
Individuals Involved in Your Care or Payment: When appropriate, we may share your Health Information with individuals involved in your care or in payment for your care, such as family members or close friends. We may also notify them of your location or general condition, or share information with organizations involved in disaster relief efforts.
Research: In certain situations, we may use and share your Health Information for research purposes. For example, a research study might compare the outcomes of patients who received different treatments for the same condition. Before any such information is used or shared for research, the project will undergo a special approval process to ensure your privacy is protected.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS:
As Required by Law: We will disclose your Health Information when required by international, federal, state, or local laws.
To Avert a Serious Threat to Health or Safety: If necessary, we may use and disclose your Health Information to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of others. These disclosures will only be made to individuals or entities that can help prevent the threat.
Business Associates: We may share your Health Information with business associates who perform services or functions on our behalf, such as billing services. These business associates are required to protect your privacy and can only use or disclose your information as outlined in our agreement with them.
Organ and Tissue Donation: If you are an organ donor, we may share your Health Information with organizations involved in organ, eye, or tissue procurement, banking, or transportation to facilitate donation and transplantation.
Military and Veterans: If you are a member of the armed forces, we may disclose your Health Information as required by military command authorities. This also applies if you are a member of a foreign military.
Workers’ Compensation: We may disclose your Health Information to comply with laws relating to workers’ compensation or similar programs that provide benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses.
Public Health Risks: We may disclose your Health Information for public health activities, such as preventing or controlling disease, reporting births and deaths, or notifying people of product recalls. We may also share information if we believe you have been exposed to a disease or are at risk of spreading it, or if we believe you have been a victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, but only as required or permitted by law.
Health Oversight Activities: We may disclose your Health Information to health oversight agencies for activities like audits, investigations, inspections, and licensure. These activities are necessary for monitoring the healthcare system and ensuring compliance with government regulations.
Data Breach Notification: We may use or disclose your Health Information to provide legally required notifications in the event of a data breach involving your health information.
Lawsuits and Disputes: If you are involved in a legal dispute, we may disclose your Health Information in response to a court or administrative order, or in response to a subpoena, discovery request, or other legal process. We will only disclose this information if efforts have been made to notify you or to obtain a protective order.
Law Enforcement: We may disclose your Health Information to law enforcement officials in response to a court order, subpoena, warrant, or similar process. We may also provide information to identify or locate a suspect, fugitive, material witness, or missing person, and in cases involving criminal conduct or emergencies.
Coroners, Medical Examiners, and Funeral Directors: We may share your Health Information with coroners, medical examiners, or funeral directors as necessary to carry out their duties, such as identifying a deceased person or determining the cause of death.
National Security and Intelligence Activities: We may disclose your Health Information to authorized federal officials for national security purposes, including intelligence and counter-intelligence activities.
Protective Services for the President and Others: We may share your Health Information with authorized federal officials to provide protection to the President, foreign heads of state, or to conduct special investigations.
Inmates or Individuals in Custody: If you are an inmate or in the custody of law enforcement, we may disclose your Health Information to the correctional institution or law enforcement officials as necessary for your health care, the safety of others, or the security of the correctional institution.
USES AND DISCLOSURES THAT REQUIRE US TO GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO OBJECT AND OPT
Individuals Involved in Your Care or Payment for Your Care. Unless you object, we may disclose to a member of your family, a relative, a close friend or any other person you identify, your Protected Health Information that directly relates to that person’s involvement in your health care., If you are unable to agree or object to such a disclosure, we may disclose such information as necessary if we determine that it is in your best interest based on our professional judgement.
Disaster Relief. We may disclose your Protected Health Information to disaster relief organizations that seek your Protected Health Information to coordinate your care, or notify family and friends of your location or condition in a disaster. We will provide you with an opportunity to agree or object to such a disclosure whenever practical.