NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

 

To our patients:

This notice describes how health information about you, as a patient of this practice, may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to your health information. This is required by the Privacy Regulations created as a result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

 

Our commitment to your privacy:

The Valley Pregnancy Center (VPC) is dedicated to maintaining the privacy of your health information. VPC is required by law to maintain the confidentiality of your health information.

 

The following circumstances may require us to use or disclose your health information:

1)    Treatment: VPC may consult with other health care providers regarding your treatment and coordinate and manage your health care with others.

2)    Health Care Operations: VPC may use or disclose protected health information to allow us to improve the quality of care we provide. We may send or communicate appointment reminders. All of this is subject to our normal confidentiality policies and any special instructions you have given.

3)    Cooperating with outside legal entities.

4)    Lawsuits and similar proceedings in response to a court or administrative order.

5)    If required to do so by a law enforcement official.

6)    When necessary to reduce or prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of another individual or the public. We will only make disclosures to a person or organization able to help prevent the threat.

7)    To certain public health authorities and health oversight agencies that are authorized by law to collect information.

 

Your rights regarding your health information:

1)    Communications: You can request (in writing) that VPC communicate with you in a particular manner. For instance, you may ask that we contact an alternative phone number. We will accommodate reasonable requests.

2)    You may request a restriction in our use or disclosure of your health information, but we are not legally bound to agree to your request. If we do agree, we are bound by our agreement except when otherwise required by law, in emergencies, or when the information is necessary to treat you.

3)    You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your health information. You must submit your request in writing. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

4)    You may ask us to amend your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete. Your request must be made in writing and you must provide us with a reason that supports your request.

5)    You have the right to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated. Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Privacy Official (see below), or you may contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

6)    You have the right to ask us for a list of all disclosures of your health information which we have made, except for those disclosures made in connection with your treatment or required by law.

 

If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy practices, please contact our Privacy Official:

 

Jill Hansen, RN

Valley Pregnancy Center

7660 Amador Valley Blvd, Suite D

Dublin, CA 94568

925-828-4458