This policy describes how your personal health information may be used and disclosed by Serene Living Home Care and how you can access this information. We are required by law to protect the privacy of your health information and to provide you with this Notice explaining your rights and our legal duties regarding your protected health information (PHI).
Our Responsibilities
Serene Living Home Care is required by law to:
- Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI).
- Provide you with this Notice describing our legal duties and privacy practices.
- Follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect; and
- Notify you promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information.
How We May Use and Disclose Health Information
Your information may be used or shared by Serene Living Home Care for the following purposes without your written authorization:
- For Treatment. We may use and share your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your care. Example: We may share information with your physician, hospital, or other caregivers involved in your care plan.
- For Payment. We may use and share your information to bill and collect payment for the services you receive. Example: We may send necessary details to insurance companies, Medicaid, or other payors to obtain reimbursement.
- For Health Care Operations. We may use and share your information to operate and improve our services. Example: Information may be used for staff training, quality assurance, licensing, or compliance audits.
As Required by Law
We will disclose information when required by federal, state, or local laws, such as reporting abuse, neglect, or certain communicable diseases.
Public Health and Safety
We may disclose information to public health authorities to prevent or control disease, injury, or disability, or to notify appropriate persons of possible exposure to disease.
Health Oversight Activities
We may share information with state or federal agencies authorized to oversee the health care system, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Legal Proceedings and Law Enforcement
We may disclose information in response to a valid court order, subpoena, or other legal process, or to law enforcement when legally required.
Coroners, Funeral Directors, and Organ Donation
We may share information with a coroner, medical examiner, or funeral director as necessary to carry out their duties.
Worker’s Compensation
We may release health information to comply with workers’ compensation or similar programs that provide benefits for work-related injuries.
Business Associates
We may share information with outside organizations that perform services on our behalf (such as billing, data management, or consulting). These entities must sign a Business Associate Agreement requiring them to protect your privacy.
Phone Number Privacy Policy
We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information.
Use of Information: We use your phone number to send SMS messages regarding your inquiry and customer care related topics
Mobile phone information or opt-in data collected will not be shared, sold, or disclosed to third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.
Opt-Out: Reply “STOP” to unsubscribe or “HELP” for assistance.
Message Disclosures: Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.
Data Security: Your data is protected and retained only as needed.
Other Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Written Authorization
We will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing your information for purposes not described in this Notice, such as:
1. Marketing or fundraising communications
2. Sale of your health information
3. Sharing psychotherapy notes (if applicable)
If you provide authorization, you may revoke it at any time in writing. Revocation will not affect information already used or disclosed before the date of revocation.
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
You have the following rights under federal law:
1. Right to Access. You may request to inspect and obtain a copy of your health information, in paper or electronic format. Requests must be submitted in writing to our Privacy Officer.
2. Right to Request Amendment. If you believe your health information is incorrect or incomplete, you may request that we amend it. We may deny your request if the information is accurate or was not created by our agency.
3. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures. You may request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your health information within the past six (6) years.
4. Right to Request Restrictions. You may request limitations on how your health information is used or shared for treatment, payment, or operations. While we will consider your request, we are not legally required to agree to all restrictions.
5. Right to Confidential Communications. You may request that we contact you in a specific way (for example, at a different address or phone number). We will accommodate reasonable requests.
6. Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice. You may request a paper copy of this Notice at any time, even if you receive it electronically.
7. Right to File a Complaint. If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:
Privacy Officer
Serene Living Home Care
200 Bailey Drive 201-5, Stewartstown, PA 17363
(717) 322-5905
admin@serenelivinghomecarellc.com
or with:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Office for Civil Rights
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
Phone: 1-877-696-6775
Website: https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/
You will not be penalized or retaliated against for filing a complaint.