This Notice Describes How Medical Information About You May Be Used And Disclosed And How You May Obtain Access To This Information. Please Review It Carefully.
Our Legal Duties
Michele D. Shieldes, PLLC d/b/a Innovative Therapy Group (“Practice,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is 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; abide by the terms of this Notice currently in effect; and notify you following a breach of unsecured PHI as required by federal and Texas law.
How We May Use And Disclose Your Protected Health Information
Treatment
We may use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare and related services. This may include communicating with other healthcare providers, coordinating care with schools or early intervention programs (with proper authorization), and consulting regarding treatment planning.
Payment
We may use and disclose PHI to obtain payment for services rendered. This includes submitting claims to insurance companies or Medicaid, verifying eligibility or benefits, and collecting outstanding balances.
Health Care Operations
We may use and disclose PHI for healthcare operations necessary to run our Practice, including quality improvement, staff training, credentialing, compliance reviews, and administrative services.
Other Uses And Disclosures Permitted Or Required By Law
We may disclose PHI without your authorization for public health activities, abuse or neglect reporting, health oversight activities, judicial or administrative proceedings, law enforcement purposes, serious threats to health or safety, workers’ compensation, and as otherwise required by law.
Texas-Specific Privacy Protections
Under Texas law, we are required to obtain written authorization for most electronic disclosures of PHI, except as otherwise permitted by law. You have the right to access your PHI no later than 15 business days after receipt of a written request. Texas law may provide additional protections for certain health information.
Uses And Disclosures Requiring Written Authorization
We will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes, sale of PHI, or for any purpose not described in this Notice without your written authorization. You may revoke an authorization in writing at any time.
Your Rights Regarding Your Phi
Right to Inspect and Copy, Right to Amend, Right to Request Restrictions, Right to Confidential Communications, Right to an Accounting of Disclosures, Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice
Minors And Personal Representatives
In most cases, a parent or legal guardian is considered the personal representative of a minor and may exercise the minor’s privacy rights, subject to applicable Texas law.
Breach Notification
In the event of a breach involving unsecured PHI, we will provide written notification in accordance with federal and Texas law.
Changes To This Notice
We reserve the right to amend this Notice at any time. Revised notices will apply to all PHI maintained by the Practice and will be made available upon request.
Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Practice’s designated Privacy Officer or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.
Acknowledgment Of Receipt
