HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP)

Parent And Child Psychological Services
Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) According to HIPAA

This notice describes how your (or your child’s) mental health information may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.

Our Responsibilities

We are required by law to:

• Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI).
• Provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices.
• Follow the terms of our current notice.

We reserve the right to change our privacy practices at any time. If we make material changes, we will notify you by mail at your last provided address and post the updated notice on our website.

Understanding Your Health Information

Each time you visit a healthcare provider, a record is made. This record includes symptoms, diagnoses, treatment, and plans for care. This information is:

• The basis for planning your care
• A way for providers to communicate
• A legal record of care received
• Used for billing and verifying services
• Sometimes used for research, public health, or improving our services

Understanding what’s in your record helps you:

• Ensure its accuracy
• Know who, when, and why others may access your information
• Make informed decisions about sharing your information

Your Health Information Rights

You have the right to:

• Request restrictions on the use/disclosure of your PHI (though we may not always be able to agree).
• Request confidential communications (e.g., contacting you at a different address or phone number).
• Inspect and copy your PHI, unless doing so would endanger you or someone else.
• Request amendments to your PHI if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete.
• Receive an accounting of disclosures of your PHI (exceptions apply).
• Receive a paper or electronic copy of this notice.
• File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us in writing.

Our Uses and Disclosures

We may use or disclose your PHI without your written authorization in the following circumstances:

• Treatment, Payment, and Healthcare Operations: To provide care, bill for services, and run our practice.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, such as for reporting child abuse, complying with court orders, or other government requests.
• Public Health and Safety: To prevent or reduce a serious threat to anyone’s health or safety.
• Health Oversight: For audits, investigations, or licensure.
• Law Enforcement: As required by law or in response to valid legal requests.
• Family/Friends Involved in Care: Using our best judgment, we may share information with those involved in your care or payment for your care.
• Business Associates: With companies that help us operate, under a contract ensuring your information is protected.

Other uses and disclosures of your PHI—especially psychotherapy notes—require your written authorization. You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing.

Questions or Complaints

If you have questions or want more information, contact us at [Practice Contact Info].

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, Office for Civil Rights (www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/). We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.