Notice of Privacy (HIPAA) - Protecting Your Health Information
At Medical Maryland Star Choice – Village Counseling, we are dedicated to providing you with high-quality care while building a relationship built on trust. We understand that your personal information is private, and we are committed to safeguarding it. This notice outlines how your health information may be used and disclosed, your rights concerning your health information and psychotherapy notes, and our responsibility to protect this information.
Privacy and Confidentiality:
Your health information is maintained with the utmost care, whether it is stored in writing, electronically, or by other means. Our commitment to your privacy and confidentiality is unwavering.
Usage and Disclosure of Health Information:
We may use and disclose your health information for specific purposes without requiring your legal permission, including:
Treatment, Payment, and Business Purposes: We use and disclose your health information to provide treatment, obtain payment, and manage our practice efficiently. This may include sharing information with your insurer, HMO, or third-party payer.
Individuals Involved in Your Care or Payment: Your information may be shared with family members or caregivers involved in your care or payment, or for disaster relief efforts.
Appointment Reminders: We may use your health information to remind you of upcoming appointments.
Required by Law: We will share your information when required by federal, state, or local laws.
Health Oversight Activities: Information may be disclosed for health oversight activities, such as investigations by state licensing boards.
Averting a Serious Threat to Health and Safety: We may use and disclose your information to prevent a serious threat to your health or safety, or to assist law enforcement in identifying or apprehending an individual.
Abuse, Neglect, or Domestic Violence: We may report your health information to government authorities if there is a reasonable belief of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
Judicial and Administrative Proceedings: Your health information may be released for judicial and administrative proceedings, including responses to court orders or subpoenas.
Workers’ Compensation: We may release your health information for Workers’ Compensation claims processing.
Specialized Government Functions: Information may be disclosed as required by military authorities or federal officials for national security reasons, as authorized by law.
Law Enforcement Purposes: We may disclose your information for law enforcement purposes upon request.
Quality and Cost of Services:
We may provide information to nonprofit organizations established by law to ensure quality services at reasonable prices.
Limited Treatment, Payment, and Business Purposes:
Psychotherapy notes may be used or disclosed for the purpose of defending the provider or practice against legal actions or other proceedings initiated by you.
Authorization for All Other Uses and Disclosures:
You have the right to revoke an authorization in writing to prevent future use and disclosure of your health information.
Individual Rights:
You have the following rights regarding your health information:
Restriction on Release: You may request restrictions on the use or disclosure of your health information for treatment, payment, or the administration of our practice.
Confidential Communications: You may request that we communicate with you at a different location or using an alternative method.
Access and Amendment: In most cases, you have the right to inspect or receive a copy of your health information and request corrections when necessary.
Accounting: You may request a limited list of instances where we have disclosed your health information.
Notice:
You may request a paper copy of this notice from us at any time, regardless of whether you received it electronically.
Our Responsibilities:
We are committed by law to maintain the privacy of your health information and to provide you with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices. We may change the terms of this notice, but we will provide a revised notice upon request and will notify you of any significant changes in privacy policies.
Complaints:
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, please contact our office in writing. For additional inquiries, reach out to us at [contact information].
Your privacy and well-being are our top priorities at Medical Star Choice – Village Counseling. We are here to serve you with the highest standards of care while respecting your confidentiality and privacy.
If you have additional questions, please contact our office at
office at
Phone number for (410) 600-3744
Fax number (410) 600-3745