Privacy Policy
At Foundations in Healing, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your data.
Information We Collect
We may collect personal details, such as your name, email, and phone number, when you contact us or schedule an appointment.
How We Use Your Information
Your information is used solely for communication, scheduling, and improving our services. We do not sell or share your data with third parties.
Data Security
We take reasonable measures to protect your information from unauthorized access or disclosure.
Your Rights
You may request to update or delete your personal information at any time by contacting us.
Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy as needed. Please review it periodically. For questions, contact us
HIPPA
HIPAA compliance is crucial for therapists as they handle sensitive patient information. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) ensures the protection and confidentiality of patients' medical records and other health information.
Privacy Rule Compliance
Protected Health Information (PHI): Therapists must ensure that any health-related data shared with patients, insurance companies, or other healthcare providers remains confidential. This includes patient names, contact information, treatment plans, notes, and even diagnoses.
Consent: Therapists must obtain written consent from patients before sharing their information with others (e.g., other healthcare providers or insurance companies).
Access Control: Only authorized personnel should have access to a patient’s records.
Security Rule Compliance
Physical Safeguards: This includes locking paper records and ensuring that office spaces are secure to prevent unauthorized access.
Technical Safeguards: Encrypt patient data when it’s stored digitally or transmitted, especially via email or online portals.
Administrative Safeguards: Have clear procedures for managing and safeguarding health data, including regular risk assessments and employee training.
Notice of Privacy Practices
Therapists are required to provide a Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) to patients, outlining how their health information will be used, stored, and shared. Patients must acknowledge receipt of this notice.
Business Associate Agreements (BAA)
If therapists use third-party vendors (e.g., electronic health record systems, billing services), they must ensure those vendors sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). The BAA outlines how the third party will protect PHI.
Breaches and Reporting
If a breach of PHI occurs, it must be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and affected individuals within 60 days.
Training and Policies
Therapists must ensure that they and any staff are trained on HIPAA rules. Regular training and updates on security protocols should be part of the practice’s policy.
Telehealth Compliance
If providing teletherapy, ensure the platform used is HIPAA-compliant, meaning it offers end-to-end encryption and secure communication channels. Zoom, for example, offers HIPAA-compliant services if the correct settings are configured.
Minimum Necessary Standard
This principle dictates that therapists should only share the minimum amount of information necessary to accomplish the purpose. For example, if discussing a patient’s case with another healthcare provider, share only the relevant treatment details.
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Therapists must use EHR systems that are HIPAA-compliant. These systems should have safeguards for data integrity, accessibility, and security.
Regular Audits
Perform periodic audits and risk assessments to ensure that all policies and procedures are being followed and that patient data is secure.
Being HIPAA-compliant protects not only the patient's privacy but also the therapist from potential legal liabilities. It's important to keep up to date with HIPAA regulations as laws evolve, especially with changes in technology and telemedicine.
