At Costa Mesa Detox,  we are committed to providing you with high-quality behavioral healthcare services. Your privacy is just as important to us, and we are dedicated to protecting it in compliance with all applicable laws. This notice (our “Privacy Policy”) explains your rights and our responsibilities under Federal Law. Your Protected Health Information (PHI) includes any information that can identify you and relates to your physical or mental health, the care you receive, or payment for that care.

How We Use and Share Your Information

Costa Mesa Detox may use or share your PHI in the following ways:

Treatment Team. We may share information among our staff, including doctors, nurses, and clinicians, as needed for your care. This could include using your PHI for treatment, billing, or verifying insurance. We may also share PHI for business operations, such as accreditation and licensing.

Department of Health and Human Services. We must share PHI with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if they request it to ensure we comply with privacy laws.

Business Associates. We may share your PHI with companies we work with to provide services on our behalf. These companies must also protect your privacy and follow strict guidelines when using or sharing your information.

Law Enforcement. We may disclose information to law enforcement if a crime occurs on our property or against our staff, or if there’s a threat to commit a crime.

Child Abuse and Neglect. We may share information as required by state law if we suspect child abuse or neglect, but we won’t disclose original patient records without your consent.

Court Orders. We may share information if required by a court order, as long as legal conditions are met.

Emergency Situations. We may disclose your information to medical personnel to treat you in an emergency.

Research. We may use your information for research if an Institutional Review Board approves the study and certain conditions are met.

Audits and Evaluations. We may share information for audits or evaluations, provided that the individuals conducting them agree to confidentiality.

Reporting Death. We may disclose information about the cause of death to public health authorities authorized to receive it.

Authorization to Use or Share Your PHI

Outside of the reasons listed above, Costa Mesa Detox will only use or share your PHI with your written authorization. For example, we will not use or share your information for marketing or sell your information. You can revoke your authorization at any time by submitting a written request. Oral revocations will be honored until a written revocation is received.

Your Rights

You have specific rights when it comes to your health information. These include:

• Access to Your Records. You can request to see or get a copy (electronic or paper) of your medical records. We will provide them within 30 days and may charge a reasonable fee for copies.
• Request Corrections. If you believe your health information is incorrect or incomplete, you can ask us to correct it. We may decline the request but will provide a written explanation within 60 days.
• Confidential Communication. You can ask us to contact you in a particular way or send mail to a different address. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
• Limit Sharing. You can request that we limit the information we share for treatment, payment, or business operations. While we are not required to agree, we will consider all requests.
• Out-of-Pocket Payments. If you pay for a service in full out-of-pocket, you can request that we not share that information with your health insurer, unless required by law.
• Accounting of Disclosures. You can request a list of instances where we’ve shared your PHI in the past six years, excluding those related to treatment, payment, and business operations.
• Copy of this Policy. You can ask for a paper copy of this policy at any time, even if you have previously agreed to receive it electronically.
• Choose a Representative. If someone has medical power of attorney or is your legal guardian, they can exercise your rights on your behalf.
• File a Complaint. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with us or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Your Choices

For certain types of information, you have a choice in how we use or share it. You have the right to tell us to:

• Share information with family members, friends, or others involved in your care.
• Share information during a disaster relief effort.
• Include your information in a hospital directory.

If you are unable to communicate your preferences (e.g., if you are unconscious), we may share your information if we believe it’s in your best interest. We will never share your information for marketing purposes, sell your information, or share psychotherapy notes without your written permission.

How We Use Your Information

Costa Mesa Detox may use or share your PHI in ways that contribute to the public good, such as for public health or research purposes. We will always comply with legal requirements before doing so.

Changes to This Policy

Costa Mesa Detox may change this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated policy will apply to all information we have about you, and the new version will be available at our office and on our website.