This notice describes how medical and drug and alcohol related information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.
General Information:
Information regarding your health care, including payment for health care, is protected by two federal laws: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), 42 U.S.C. 1320d et seq., 45 C.F.R. Parts 160 & 164, and the Confidentiality Law, 42 U.S.C. 290dd-2, 42 C.F.R. Part 2. Under these laws, True North Recovery Inc. (TNR) may not say to a person outside TNR that you attend the program, nor may TNR disclose any information identifying you as an alcohol or drug abuser or disclose any other protected information except as permitted by federal law.
True North Recovery Inc. must obtain your written consent before it can disclose information about you for payment purposes. For example, TNR must obtain your written consent before it can disclose information to your health insurer in order to be paid for services. Generally, you must also sign a written consent before TNR can share information for treatment purposes or for health care operations. However, federal law permits TNR to disclose information without your written permission:
1. Pursuant to an agreement with a qualified service organization/ business associate;
2. For research, audit or evaluations;
3. To report a crime committed on TNR’ premises or against TNR personnel;
4. To medical personnel in a medical emergency;
5. As allowed by an authorizing court order.
6. Physical or sexual abuse or neglect committed against a child or elderly person
7. Suicidal or homicidal threats or attempts
8. Internal Communications
For example, TNR can disclose information without your consent to obtain legal or financial services, or to another medical facility to provide health care to you, as long as there is a qualified service organization/business associate agreement in place.
Before TNR can use or disclose any information about your health in a manner which is not described above, it must first obtain your specific written consent allowing it to make the disclosure. Any such written consent may be revoked by you in writing.
YOUR RIGHTS
Under HIPAA you have the right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your health information. TNR is not required to agree to any restrictions you request, but if it does agree then it is bound by that agreement and may not use or disclose any information which you have restricted except as necessary in a medical emergency.
You have the right to request that we communicate with you by alternative means or at an alternative location. TNR will accommodate such requests that are reasonable and will not request an explanation from you. Under HIPAA you also have the right to inspect and copy your own health information maintained by TNR, except to the extent that the information contains psychotherapy notes or information compiled for use in a civil, criminal or administrative proceeding or in other limited circumstances.
Under HIPAA you also have the right, with some exceptions, to amend health care information maintained in TNR’ records, and to request and receive an accounting of disclosures of your health-related information made by TNR during the seven years prior to your request. You also have the right to receive a paper copy of this notice. TNR may deny a client request for amendment if it determines that the information or record:
• Was not created by an TNR employee
• Is not part of a designated record set
• Is accurate and complete
A client, whose request for amendment is denied, may pursue the next appropriate level of the client grievance procedure.
TNR’ Duties
TNR is required by law to maintain the privacy of your health information and to provide you with notice of its legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your health information. TNR is required by law to abide by the terms of this notice. TNR reserves the right to change the terms of this notice and to make new notice provisions effective for all protected health information it maintains. Any revisions to this policy will be distributed to you at your next scheduled session or appointment.
Complaints and Reporting Violations
You may complain to TNR and the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services if you believe that your privacy rights have been violated under HIPAA. You may file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated by completing a complaint form (available at the front desk) and following the steps of the Grievance Procedures. You will not be subject to retaliation for filing such a complaint.
A violation of the Confidentiality Law by a program is a crime. Suspected violations of the Confidentiality Law may be reported to the United States Attorney in the district where the violation occurs.
Contact
For further information, contact TNR by telephoning 907-313-1333
Effective Date
7/2018