This Notice of Privacy Practices (“Notice”) describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed, and how you may obtain access to such information. Please review this Notice carefully.

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Legal Duties

Enlightenment Psychiatry (“the Practice”) is required by applicable federal and state law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information (“PHI”). Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) and the Minnesota Health Records Act (Minn. Stat. §§ 144.291–144.298), we are obligated to:

1. Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your PHI.

2. Maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your PHI.

3. Notify you in the event of any breach of your unsecured PHI.

4. Abide by the terms of this Notice as currently in effect.

 

Permitted Uses and Disclosures of Health Information

The Practice may use or disclose your PHI without your prior written authorization for the following purposes, to the extent permitted by federal and state law:

 

A. Treatment

To provide, coordinate, or manage your health care, including consultations and referrals.

B. Payment

To obtain payment for services rendered, including disclosures to insurers, health plans, or third-party payers for reimbursement and prior authorization.

C. Health Care Operations

For administrative, quality assessment, training, accreditation, and auditing purposes necessary to the operation of the Practice.

D. As Required by Law

When disclosure is mandated by federal, state, or local law, including public health reporting, mandatory abuse reporting, and health oversight activities.

E. Judicial and Administrative Proceedings

In response to a valid subpoena, court order, or other lawful process.

F. Law Enforcement Purposes

As required for law enforcement activities, including reporting of certain injuries or compliance with legal processes.

G. Public Health and Safety

To prevent or control disease, report adverse events, or reduce or prevent a serious threat to health or safety.

H. Additional Permitted Disclosures

1. To medical examiners, coroners, and funeral directors as necessary.

2. To organ procurement organizations for donation and transplantation purposes.

3. For workers’ compensation programs as authorized by law.

4. For specialized government functions, such as national security or military operations.

 

Uses and Disclosures Requiring Authorization

All other uses and disclosures of your PHI will be made only with your written authorization. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. Psychotherapy notes, unless otherwise permitted by law.

2. Uses or disclosures for marketing purposes.

3. Sale of your PHI.

 

You may revoke any authorization in writing at any time, except to the extent that the Practice has already acted in reliance upon such authorization.

 

Minnesota Health Records Act Compliance

In addition to HIPAA, Minnesota law requires your signed and dated consent for the release of your health records to third parties, except as otherwise specifically permitted by Minn. Stat. §§ 144.291–144.298. Where Minnesota law provides greater protection or rights than HIPAA, the Practice will comply with Minnesota law.

 

Your Rights Regarding Health Information

You have the following rights, subject to limitations under applicable law:

1. Right of Access – To inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI in designated record sets.

2. Right to Amend – To request an amendment of PHI you believe is inaccurate or incomplete.

3. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures – To request a record of certain disclosures of your PHI.

4. Right to Request Restrictions – To request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures. The Practice is not required to agree but will comply with agreed restrictions.

5. Right to Confidential Communications – To request communications by alternative means or at alternative locations.

6. Right to Receive a Paper Copy – To receive a paper copy of this Notice upon request, regardless of whether you have received an electronic copy.

7. Right to Breach Notification – To be notified of any breach of your unsecured PHI.

 

Duties of the Practice

The Practice is required by law to:

1. Maintain the privacy of your PHI.

2. Provide you with this Notice setting forth our legal duties and privacy practices.

3. Comply with the terms of this Notice currently in effect.

4. Notify you in the event of a breach involving your PHI.

5. Not use or disclose your PHI without your written authorization, except as described in this Notice or as otherwise permitted or required by law.

 

Changes to This Notice

The Practice reserves the right to revise or amend this Notice at any time. Any such revisions will be effective for all PHI that we maintain at that time and will be available upon request and posted at our practice site and website.

 

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

Privacy Officer
Enlightenment Psychiatry
1011 1st Street E, Suite 5, Park Rapids, MN 56470
(320) 321 - 9599
access@enlightenmentpsychiatry.org

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You may also send a written letter to: 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
 

Under no circumstances will we ever ask you to waive your rights under this Notice or retaliate against you in any manner for filing a complaint.

 

Contact Information

For further information regarding this Notice, please contact:

Privacy Officer
Enlightenment Psychiatry
1011 1st Street E, Suite 5, Park Rapids, MN 56470
(320) 321 - 9599
access@enlightenmentpsychiatry.org