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Privacy Policy

HIPAA & Notice of Privacy Practices

Washington Integrative Psychiatry is committed to maintaining and protecting the confidentiality of your Protected Health Information (PHI). We are required by federal and state law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Washington My Health My Data Act, to protect your PHI and provide you with this notice.

 

I. Our Pledge Regarding Your Health Information

We understand that health information about you is personal. Washington Integrative Psychiatry creates a record of the care you receive to provide quality treatment and comply with legal requirements. We are required by law to:

  • Ensure that PHI that identifies you is kept private.
  • Provide this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices.
  • Follow the terms of the notice currently in effect.

 

II. How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information

Washington Integrative Psychiatry will use and disclose PHI only with your written permission, except for the purposes described below:

  • For Treatment:We may disclose PHI to doctors, nurses, technicians, or other personnel (including those outside our practice) who are involved in your medical care.
  • For Payment:We may use and disclose PHI so that we may bill and receive payment from you, an insurance company, or a third party.
  • For Health Care Operations:We use PHI to manage our office and ensure all patients receive quality care.
  • Appointment Reminders:We may use PHI to contact you as a reminder for an upcoming appointment.
  • Incidental Use:We adopt reasonable safeguards to ensure that incidental disclosures are limited to the minimum necessary.

 

III. Special Situations for Disclosure Without Consent

  • As Required by Law:We will disclose PHI when required by federal, state, or local law.
  • To Avert a Serious Threat:We may disclose PHI to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or the safety of the public.
  • Law Enforcement & Mandated Reporting:We may release PHI if asked by law enforcement in response to a court order or subpoena, or to authorized state agencies regarding reports of abuse or neglect.
  • Business Associates:We may disclose PHI to vendors (e.g., electronic health records, billing services) who perform functions on our behalf. All associates are bound by contract to protect your privacy.
  • Psychotherapy Notes:These are kept as separate records. We must obtain your specific authorization to disclose psychotherapy notes, except for use in your treatment, our own training, or defending the practice in a legal proceeding.

 

IV. Washington State Specific Protections

  • Minors (Ages 13-17):In accordance with Washington State law, patients aged 13 and older have the right to consent to their own mental health treatment. Washington Integrative Psychiatry requires a signed authorization from the minor patient before disclosing mental health information to parents or guardians.
  • Telehealth:If services are provided via telehealth, the same privacy protections apply to electronic transmissions.

 

V. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI

  • The Right to Request Limits:You may ask us not to use or disclose certain PHI for treatment or payment. We are not required to agree, unless you are requesting a restriction for a service you paid for out-of-pocket in full.
  • The Right to Choose Communication:You have the right to ask that we contact you in a specific way (e.g., home phone vs. cell) or at a specific address.
  • The Right to See and Get Copies:You have the right to an electronic or paper copy of your medical record. Per Washington law, we will provide this within 15 days of your written request. We may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee.
  • The Right to Correct or Update:If you believe there is a mistake in your PHI, you may request a correction. We will respond to your request within 10 days.
  • The Right to a List of Disclosures:You may request an accounting of disclosures made for purposes other than treatment, payment, or operations. We will respond within 30 days.
  • The Right to Get Notice of a Breach:We will notify you promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information.

 

VI. Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Washington Integrative Psychiatry or with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.