HIPAA and Privacy Policy for Mental Health Services

Introduction

At Bless'd Friendzz, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and health information. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your sensitive data in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws. By receiving mental health services from us, you agree to the practices described in this document.

1. HIPAA Compliance

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy and security of your health information. HIPAA sets standards for how your mental health information is used and shared, and requires us to:

Keep your personal health information private.
Provide you with a notice about our privacy practices.
Limit access to your health information to those who need it for your treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.
Obtain your consent for uses and disclosures of your health information, unless an exception applies.

2. Types of Protected Health Information (PHI)

Protected Health Information (PHI) includes any health information that identifies you and relates to your mental health care, including but not limited to:

Your name, address, phone number, and email address.
Diagnosis and treatment plans.
Psychological test results.
Any other personal or health-related information.

3. Uses and Disclosures of Health Information

We use and disclose your health information for the following purposes:

Treatment: To provide you with mental health services, including assessments, therapy, and case management. This may include communication with other healthcare providers involved in your care.
Payment: To bill your insurance or other third parties for services rendered.
Healthcare Operations: To perform activities necessary for the operation of our practice, such as quality assurance, training, and administrative tasks.
Appointment Reminders: To contact you about scheduled appointments, changes to your treatment plan, or other essential services.
As Required by Law: We may disclose your health information if required by law, such as in response to a subpoena or court order.
Public Health and Safety: In certain situations, we may disclose your information to prevent serious threats to health or safety.

4. Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

You have the right to:

Access: Request a copy of your health records.
Amend: Request changes to your health records if you believe they are incorrect or incomplete.
Confidential Communication: Request that we communicate with you in a certain way or at a certain location (for example, at home instead of work).
Restrictions: Request limits on how your health information is used or disclosed.
Accounting of Disclosures: Request a list of disclosures of your health information made by our practice.
Right to a Copy of This Notice: Request a copy of this privacy notice.

5. Safeguards for Protecting Your Information

We take the following steps to ensure your information is secure:

Physical Safeguards: Our offices and facilities are secure, and access to your records is limited to authorized personnel only.
Technical Safeguards: Electronic records are stored in secure systems with encrypted communications and password protection.
Administrative Safeguards: We train our staff regularly on privacy practices and ensure that only necessary personnel have access to your information.

6. Confidentiality and Exceptions

We understand the sensitive nature of mental health information and are committed to keeping your information confidential. However, there are certain exceptions where we may disclose your health information without your consent, such as:

Emergencies: If you are in imminent danger of harm to yourself or others, we may disclose information to prevent harm.
Abuse and Neglect: We are required by law to report if we suspect abuse or neglect of a minor, elderly person, or vulnerable adult.
Court Orders: If a court orders the release of your records for legal proceedings.
Health Oversight: To health oversight authorities in cases of investigation or audits.

7. Record Retention

We retain your mental health records for a period of at least [insert number] years, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. After this period, your records will be securely disposed of.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes, and you may request a copy of the updated policy at any time.

9. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about how your personal health information is handled, or if you wish to exercise any of your rights, please contact us at:

Bless'd Friendzz, LLC
419-464-1422
blessdfriendzz@gmail.com
www.blessdfriendzz.com

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Filing a complaint will not result in retaliation.

10. Acknowledgment of Receipt

By signing below, you acknowledge that you have received and understood this HIPAA and Privacy Policy:

Client Name: ______________________
Signature: _________________________
Date: _____________________________