PRIVACY STATEMENT AND NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
THIS NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT FELLOWSHIP HOUSE MEMBERS MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED, AND HOW MEMBERS MAY ACCESS THIS INFORMATION.
Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Privacy Officer, Andrea McFann (305-667-1036)
who this applies to
This notice applies to privacy practices at Fellowship House and to:
- All Fellowship House direct service staff who provide or document services for members.
- Any health care professionals involved in members’ care.
COMMITMENT TO MEMBER PRIVACY
Fellowship House understands that medical information about Members is personal. Fellowship House is committed to protecting this information. Fellowship House maintains a record of the care and services provided while a Member is participating in Fellowship House programs. This record is necessary to provide quality care and to comply with legal requirements.
This Notice applies to all records of services Members receive while at Fellowship House. This Notice explains how Fellowship House may use and disclose medical information and describes the rights Members have regarding this information.
Fellowship House is required by law to:
- Ensure medical information that identifies a member is kept private.
- Provide this Notice of Privacy Practices.
- Follow the terms of the notice currently in effect.
Any photograph that is part of a Member’s medical record will be treated as medical information and protected accordingly.
HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED
The following categories describe different ways Fellowship House may use or disclose medical information. Not every use or disclosure within a category will be listed; however, all permitted uses and disclosures fall within these categories.
For Treatment
Fellowship House may use medical information to provide services and may disclose it to direct service staff, psychiatrists, or other professionals involved in the Member’s care.
For Payment
Medical information may be used or disclosed so Fellowship House may bill and receive payment from insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or other funding sources for services provided.
For Health Care Operations
Medical and psychological information may be used for Fellowship House operations, which are necessary to maintain service quality and support administrative processes.
Appointment Reminders
Medical information may be used to contact Members regarding appointments.
Individuals Involved in Care or Payment
Medical information may be disclosed to a family member or another individual involved in the Member’s care or payment arrangements. Fellowship House may also disclose information to a disaster relief organization to help locate and notify family.
As Required by Law
Medical information will be disclosed when required by federal, state, or local law.
To Avert Serious Threats
Medical information may be disclosed to prevent a serious threat to the health or safety of the Member, the public, or another person, but only to those able to help reduce the threat.
special situations
- Organ and Tissue Donation: If a Member is an organ donor, information may be shared with procurement organizations.
- Military/Veterans: Members who serve in the armed forces may have information released as required by military authorities.
- Workers’ Compensation: Information may be disclosed for workers’ compensation or similar benefit programs.
- Public Health: Medical information may be disclosed to:
- Prevent or control disease, injury, or disability.
- Report births and deaths.
- Report child abuse or neglect.
- Report reactions to medications or product problems.
- Notify persons of product recalls.
- Notify individuals who may have been exposed to illness.
- Report suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, when authorized by law.
- Health Oversight Agencies: Information may be disclosed to health oversight agencies for audits, inspections, investigations, or licensing.
- Legal Proceedings: Medical information may be disclosed in response to court or administrative orders or to subpoenas when required procedures are followed.
- Law Enforcement: Information may be disclosed to law enforcement:
- In response to legal orders.
- To identify or locate missing persons, suspects, or witnesses.
- Regarding crime victims in certain circumstances.
- To report criminal conduct on Fellowship House premises.
- To report a crime in emergency circumstances.
- Coroners and Funeral Directors: Information may be disclosed to assist in identifying a deceased Member or determining cause of death.
- National Security: Information may be disclosed to authorized federal officials for national security activities.
- Incarceration: If a Member is incarcerated or under law enforcement custody, information may be disclosed as needed for safety, care, or security.
MEMBER RIGHTS REGARDING MEDICAL INFORMATION
Inspect and Copy
Members have the right to review or obtain copies of medical or billing records, except in certain limited circumstances. Requests must be submitted in writing to the Privacy Officer. If access is denied, Members may request a review by the Clinical Utilization Review Manager.
Request Amendments
Members may request correction of medical information believed to be inaccurate or incomplete. Requests must be submitted in writing with supporting reasons. Fellowship House may deny requests under specific circumstances.
Request an Accounting of Disclosures
Members may request a list of disclosures made in the previous six years, except those related to treatment, payment, or health care operations. Requests must be in writing and state the desired time period.
Request Restrictions
Members may request restrictions on how medical information is used or disclosed. Fellowship House is not required to agree but will comply when possible and safe.
Request Confidential Communication
Members may request communication in a specific manner or at a specific location. Fellowship House will accommodate reasonable requests.
Obtain a Paper Copy of This Notice
A paper copy is available upon written request to Fellowship House’s Privacy Officer.
changes to this notice
Fellowship House may revise this Notice and will apply changes to all existing and future medical information. The current Notice will be posted in Fellowship House facilities. Members will be offered revised copies when updates occur.
COMPLAINTS
Fellowship House will not retaliate against any Member who files a complaint.
Complaints may be submitted to:
Fellowship House Privacy Officer – Andrea McFann
5711 South Dixie Highway
South Miami, FL 33143
(305) 670-1994 ext. 1251
or
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Civil Rights
OCR Hotline: 1-800-368-1019
OTHER USES OF MEDICAL INFORMATION
Uses or disclosures not covered in this Notice or required by law will only occur with written authorization from the Member. Authorization may be revoked at any time in writing; however, disclosures made prior to revocation cannot be reversed.
CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY SUMMARY
Fellowship House ensures the confidentiality of Member information, including the fact that a person is receiving services. Identifying information must not be visible or accessible to unauthorized individuals. Visitors are expected to follow Fellowship House confidentiality guidelines and must not disclose any Member’s identity.
