Care for Kids Pediatric Dentistry, PLLC

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Care for Kids Pediatric Dentistry, PLLC collects and maintains a record of the health care services we provide to you. In accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), applicable federal regulations including 42 CFR Part 2, and the laws of the State of Texas, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your health information.

We will not use or disclose your protected health information (PHI) without your authorization, except as described in this Notice or as otherwise permitted or required by law. We reserve the right to change our privacy practices and will provide notice of any material changes.

OVERVIEW

This Notice applies to all health information created or received by our office. It explains:

  1. Your rights regarding your health information

  2. Our legal duties and privacy practices

  3. How we may use and disclose your information

  4. How to file a complaint or contact us

You have the right to:

  1. Request restrictions on the use of your health information

  2. Request that we not disclose services paid out-of-pocket to your health plan

  3. Request confidential communications

  4. Inspect and obtain copies of your records

  5. Request amendments to your records

  6. Receive an accounting of disclosures

  7. File a complaint without retaliation

  8. Request limitations on sharing with family or others

PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

Protected Health Information (PHI) includes information that identifies you and relates to your past, present, or future health condition, treatment, or payment for care. This may include your name, contact information, medical history, treatment records, and billing details.

We limit the information collected to what is necessary and protect it regardless of the source 

USE AND DISCLOSURE OF YOUR INFORMATION

Without Your Authorization

We may use and disclose your PHI for the following purposes:

Treatment

We may use your information to provide, coordinate, or manage your care. This includes sharing information with other healthcare providers involved in your treatment.

Payment

We may use and disclose your information to bill and collect payment for services provided, including sharing information with insurance companies.

Healthcare Operations

We may use your information for administrative and operational purposes such as quality improvement, staff training, and business management.

Important Notice

Certain types of protected health information, including Substance Use Disorder (SUD) records, may be subject to additional federal confidentiality protections and may require your written authorization prior to use or disclosure, even for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, as required by law.

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER (SUD) RECORDS

Certain health information may be protected under federal law (42 CFR Part 2), which provides stricter confidentiality protections than HIPAA.

We will use and disclose Substance Use Disorder records only as permitted by applicable law. In most cases, your written authorization will be required.

Examples of permitted uses and disclosures include:

  1. Treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, when allowed by law and with appropriate consent

  2. Sharing information with providers involved in your care when permitted

  3. Billing and payment activities as allowed by law

Special Protections

Substance Use Disorder records will not be disclosed for legal proceedings without your written authorization or a valid court order.

Prohibition on Re-Disclosure

Federal law prohibits the recipient of substance use disorder information from making any further disclosure unless expressly permitted by the written consent of the individual or as otherwise permitted by 42 CFR Part 2.

ADDITIONAL USES AND DISCLOSURES

We may also use or disclose your information when required or permitted by law, including:

  • Public health reporting

  • Health oversight activities

  • Abuse or neglect reporting

  • Law enforcement requests

  • Court orders or subpoenas

  • Workers’ compensation

  • National security and government functions

DISCLOSURE TO FAMILY AND OTHERS

We may share relevant information with family members or others involved in your care unless you object. You may request restrictions at any time.

USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRING AUTHORIZATION

Uses and disclosures not described in this Notice will be made only with your written authorization. You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing.

ADDITIONAL PROTECTIONS FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION

Certain types of health information receive additional protections under law, including:

  • Substance Use Disorder records

  • Mental health information

  • HIV/AIDS status

  • Genetic information

We will comply with all applicable laws governing these protections.

YOUR RIGHTS

You have the right to:

  • Request restrictions on use or disclosure

  • Request confidential communications

  • Inspect and obtain copies of your records

  • Request amendments

  • Receive an accounting of disclosures

  • Revoke authorizations

  • File a complaint

COMPLAINTS

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

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
 Office for Civil Rights

You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.

BREACH NOTIFICATION

We are required to notify you if your unsecured protected health information is breached in accordance with applicable law.

CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE

We reserve the right to change this Notice at any time. Updated versions will be available in our office and upon request.