Therapist: Katherine Arkell
Location: Saginaw, MI
Effective Date: May 1, 2024
- Introduction
KATHERINE ARKELL, LMSW is committed to protecting the privacy and security of patients’ Protected Health Information (PHI) in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. This policy outlines the procedures and practices to ensure that PHI is handled properly and confidentially.
- Scope
This policy applies to all PHI that is created, received, maintained, or transmitted by KATHERINE ARKELL, LMSW in any form or medium, including electronic, paper, and oral communication.
- Protected Health Information (PHI)**
PHI includes any information that relates to a patient’s past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition, the provision of healthcare, or the payment for healthcare that can identify the individual.
- Patient Rights
Patients have the following rights regarding their PHI:
– Right to Access: Patients can inspect and obtain a copy of their health records.
– Right to Amend: Patients can request corrections to their health information.
– Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: Patients can request a list of certain disclosures of their PHI.
– Right to Request Restrictions: Patients can request restrictions on how their PHI is used and disclosed.
– Right to Confidential Communications: Patients can request that communications be handled in a specific manner.
- Use and Disclosure of PHI
PHI may be used and disclosed for:
– Treatment: To provide, coordinate, or manage healthcare and related services.
– Payment: To obtain payment for healthcare services provided.
– Healthcare Operations: For activities related to running the practice and ensuring quality care.
PHI may also be disclosed without patient authorization for:
– Public Health Activities: Reporting of disease, injury, and vital events.
– Health Oversight Activities: Audits, investigations, and inspections.
– Law Enforcement: In response to legal proceedings, court orders, or subpoenas.
- Minimum Necessary Standard
KATHERINE ARKELL, LMSW will make reasonable efforts to ensure that access to and disclosure of PHI is limited to the minimum necessary to accomplish the intended purpose.
- Safeguards
To protect the privacy and security of PHI, the following safeguards are implemented:
– Physical Safeguards: Locking file cabinets, office doors, and limiting access to areas where PHI is stored.
– Technical Safeguards: Using encryption, secure passwords, and regularly updating software to protect electronic PHI (e-PHI).
– Administrative Safeguards: Training staff on HIPAA policies and procedures, and designating a Privacy Officer to oversee compliance.
- Breach Notification
In the event of a breach of unsecured PHI, KATHERINE ARKELL, LMSW [Last Name] will notify affected individuals, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and, in some cases, the media, as required by the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule.
- Complaints
Patients can file a complaint if they believe their privacy rights have been violated. Complaints can be submitted to KATHERINE ARKELL, LMSW or directly to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). KATHERINE ARKELL, LMSW will not retaliate against any individual for filing a complaint.
- Training and Awareness
KATHERINE ARKELL, LMSW will ensure that all staff members receive training on HIPAA policies and procedures. Training will be provided upon hire and annually thereafter.
- Policy Review and Revision
This HIPAA policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to comply with changes in regulations and to improve the protection of PHI.
- Contact Information
For questions about this policy or to exercise any patient rights, please contact:
– Privacy Officer: KATHERINE ARKELL, LMSW
– Phone: (479) 685-7830
– Address: 5090 State Street, Suite 102-B Saginaw, MI 48603
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KATHERINE ARKELL, LMSW
Owner