Effective Date: 06/09/2023
This Notice of Privacy Practices (the “Notice”) describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information. Please read this Notice carefully before using the services provided by Credence Home Health Services (“we,” “us,” or “our”). By receiving our services, you acknowledge and understand the practices described in this Notice.
1. Our Commitment to Privacy
1.1 Protected Health Information (PHI): We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your medical information, known as Protected Health Information (PHI), in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
1.2 Use and Disclosure: We may use and disclose your PHI for the purposes of providing healthcare services, treatment, payment, and other related activities as permitted or required by law. This Notice describes the circumstances under which we may use or disclose your PHI and your rights regarding your PHI.
2. Use and Disclosure of PHI
2.1 Treatment: We may use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare and related services. This includes sharing information with healthcare professionals involved in your care, such as doctors, nurses, therapists, and other members of the healthcare team.
2.2 Payment: We may use and disclose your PHI to obtain payment for the services provided to you. This may include submitting claims to your insurance company, verifying coverage, and coordinating benefits with other healthcare providers.
2.3 Healthcare Operations: We may use and disclose your PHI for our healthcare operations, which include quality improvement, training programs, audits, and business management activities. These activities are necessary to ensure the provision of high-quality care and to comply with legal requirements.
2.4 Required by Law: We may use or disclose your PHI when required by law, such as for public health reporting, reporting abuse or neglect, or in response to a valid court order or subpoena.
2.5 Authorization: For uses and disclosures not described in this Notice, we will obtain your written authorization. You have the right to revoke any such authorization at any time, except to the extent that we have already relied on it.
3. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI
3.1 Access: You have the right to access and obtain a copy of your PHI held by us. Some exceptions may apply, and a reasonable fee may be charged for copies.
3.2 Amendment: If you believe that your PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you have the right to request an amendment. We may deny your request under certain circumstances, and you have the right to file a statement of disagreement if your request is denied.
3.3 Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to request an accounting of certain disclosures of your PHI made by us. This accounting will not include disclosures made for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, or disclosures made with your authorization.
3.4 Restrictions: You have the right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your PHI. We are not required to agree to your request, except in limited circumstances related to disclosure to health plans for payment or healthcare operations.
3.5 Privacy Complaints: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with us or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
4. Our Responsibilities
4.1 Notice Updates: We reserve the right to update or revise this Notice at any time. The updated Notice will be posted on our website and will be effective for all PHI we maintain at that time.
4.2 Privacy Practices: We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your PHI and to provide you with a copy of this Notice outlining