Client Rights to Privacy

You have the absolute right to have all your personal information, medical records, and health information kept strictly confidential. We will not disclose your information to anyone without your written authorization, except:

• When necessary for your treatment and care
• For payment and billing purposes
• For facility operations and quality improvement
• When required by law or court order
• To report suspected abuse, neglect, or danger to self or others
• To public health authorities as required

You have the right to:

• Inspect and Review: View your medical and personal records at any reasonable time
• Obtain Copies: Receive copies of your records (reasonable copying fees may apply)
• Request Explanations: Have staff explain any information in your records that you don't understand
• Timely Access: Receive your records within 30 days of your written request

If you believe information in your records is incorrect or incomplete, you have the right to:

• Request corrections or amendments to your records
• Receive a written response to your request within 60 days
• Add a statement of disagreement if your amendment is denied
• Have your statement included with your records going forward

You have the right to receive a list of instances where we have disclosed your health information for purposes other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. This accounting covers the previous six years (or since your admission date, whichever is shorter).

You may request restrictions on:

• How we use or disclose your health information
• Who can receive information about your care
• What information is shared with family members or friends

While we will consider all requests, we are not required to agree to restrictions except in specific circumstances required by law. If we do agree, we will comply with the restriction unless the information is needed for emergency treatment.

You have the right to request that we communicate with you about your health matters in a specific way or at a certain location. For example:

• Request phone calls to a specific number
• Receive mail at an alternative address
• Limit voicemail messages
• Conduct private conversations in designated areas

You have the right to privacy during:

• Personal care activities (bathing, dressing, toileting)
• Medical examinations and treatments
• Private conversations and telephone calls
• Visits with family, friends, and clergy
• Sending and receiving personal mail

You have the right to:

• Choose who can visit you and when
• Refuse visitors at any time
• Conduct private visits
• Make and receive phone calls privately
• Restrict access to your room and personal belongings

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to:

• File a complaint with our facility administrator
• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Not be retaliated against for filing a complaint

You have the right to be notified if there is a breach or unauthorized access to your unsecured protected health information. We will notify you in writing within 60 days of discovering any breach.