Privacy Policy and HIPAA Compliance
Effective Date: February 27, 2024
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.
If you have any questions about this notice, please contact our Compliance Office at (626) 280-6510.
This notice outlines the privacy practices applicable to Maryvale and extends to:
- Any healthcare professional authorized to contribute to your record.
- All departments and units within Maryvale.
- Members of volunteer groups permitted to assist you during your interaction with Maryvale.
- All employees, staff, and individuals affiliated with Maryvale, including vendors and contractors.
Maryvale operates programs that offer short-term housing, early education, and school-based and community-based treatment across Los Angeles County. All these entities, sites, and locations adhere to the guidelines set forth in this notice. Furthermore, these entities, sites, and locations may share medical information among themselves for the purposes of treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, as described in this notice.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Privacy Policy and HIPAA Compliance document for Maryvale. All references to Maryvale within this document apply universally to all Maryvale programs, including Connections by Maryvale, Seton House, Family Resource Center, and Early Education Centers, as well as Maryvale’s various business units and departments. At Maryvale, we are committed to ensuring the highest level of confidentiality, security, and privacy for our clients, patients, and their families. This comprehensive document outlines our commitment to safeguarding your personal information and protected health information (PHI) in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other relevant regulations. We encourage you to read this document carefully to understand how we handle your data and protect your privacy throughout our entire organization.
1. Your Privacy and Confidentiality
At Maryvale, we value your privacy and are dedicated to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and security in all interactions with our clients, patients, or their families. We collect personal information, such as your name, address, phone number, and email address, solely for the purpose of providing the information or services you request from us. We do not share your personal information with any third party or organization without your consent.
2. Internal Privacy Safeguards
We have implemented internal policies and procedures to protect your privacy by restricting staff access to your personal information. Any personal information collected is used exclusively to respond to your communicated needs. Our intention is to send communications only to those who have chosen to receive them. You have the right, at any time, to stop receiving communications from us.
3. Notice of Privacy Practices
This document serves as our Notice of Privacy Practices, effective January 1, 2024. If you have any questions regarding this notice or our privacy practices, please contact our Compliance Officer at (626) 280-6510.
4. Who Will Follow This Notice
This notice applies to Maryvale, Connections by Maryvale, and its healthcare professionals authorized to enter information into your chart, all departments and units of Maryvale, members of volunteer groups assisting clients at Maryvale, and all employees, staff, vendors, and contractors associated with Maryvale. This notice applies to all Maryvale entities, sites, and locations providing services throughout California.
5. Pledge Regarding Mental Health Information
We understand that the information we maintain about you and your health is deeply personal. We are committed to safeguarding your mental health information and using it solely to provide quality care and comply with legal requirements. This notice covers all records of care generated by Maryvale.
6. How We May Use and Disclose Mental Health Information
We may use and disclose your mental health information in the following categories:
- For Treatment: We may share your clinical/medical information with healthcare providers involved in your care, both within and outside of Maryvale, to ensure you receive appropriate treatment.
- For Payment: We may use and disclose your clinical/medical information to bill for services provided, including sharing information with health plans, insurance companies, or third parties responsible for payment.
- For Health Care Operations: We may use your clinical/medical information for internal operations necessary for quality care, such as reviewing services, evaluating staff performance, and improving healthcare delivery.
- Appointment Reminders: We may use your clinical/medical information to remind you of upcoming appointments.
- Treatment Alternatives: We may share clinical/medical information to inform you of possible treatment options or alternatives.
- Health-Related Benefits and Services: We may use your clinical/medical information to inform you about services that may benefit you.
- Fundraising Activities: On rare occasions, we may use your clinical/medical information to raise funds for Maryvale, and you have the right to opt out of such communications.
- Marketing: Any use or disclosure of protected health information for marketing purposes requires your written authorization.
- Sale of PHI: Disclosure of your protected health information that constitutes a sale of PHI requires your authorization.
- Individuals Involved in Your Care: We will not release clinical/medical information about you to friends or family without your consent or, if applicable, the consent of your authorized representative (e.g., legal guardian/parent).
- Research: We may use and disclose mental health information for approved research projects, ensuring your privacy and obtaining authorized consent when necessary.
- Business Associates: We may disclose your protected health information to third-party business associates who must comply with HIPAA regulations.
- As Required by Law: We will disclose clinical/medical information about you when required by federal, state, or local law.
- To Avert a Serious Threat: We may use and disclose clinical/medical information when necessary to prevent a serious threat to your health or safety or that of others.
- Special Situations:
- Military and Veterans: Information may be released as required by military command authorities.
- Worker’s Compensation: Information may be released for worker’s compensation or similar programs.
- Public Health Risks: Information may be disclosed for public health activities.
- Health Oversight Activities: Information may be disclosed for government health oversight activities.
- Lawsuits and Legal Actions: Information may be disclosed in response to court orders, subpoenas, or legal actions.
- Law Enforcement: Information may be released to law enforcement officials as permitted by law.
- Coroners, Medical Examiners, and Funeral Directors: Information may be disclosed as required by law.
- Inmates: Information may be released to correctional institutions or law enforcement officials as necessary.
- Protection of Elective Constitutional Officers: Information may be disclosed to protect federal and state elective constitutional officers and their families.
7. Your Rights Regarding Clinical/Medical Information
You have the following rights concerning your clinical/medical information:
- Right to Inspect and Copy: You have the right to inspect and obtain copies of clinical/medical information related to your care, with certain exceptions. Requests should be submitted in writing to the Compliance Office at Maryvale. A fee may apply for copying and supplies.
- Right to Amend: If you believe your clinical/medical information is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment. Submit your request in writing to the Compliance Office. In certain circumstances, we may deny your request, but you can submit a written addendum.
- Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to request a list of your mental health information disclosures, excluding certain disclosures. Submit your request in writing to the Compliance Office. The first list requested within a 12-month period is free, with possible charges for subsequent requests.
- Breach: You will be notified of any breach involving your unsecured protected health information.
- Right to Request Restrictions: You can request restrictions on the use or disclosure of your mental health information. We may not always agree, except in certain cases like out-of-pocket payments. Submit your request in writing to the Compliance Office.
- Right to Request Confidential Communications: You can request confidential communications regarding your mental health information. Submit your request in writing to the Compliance Office, specifying how or where you wish to be contacted.
- Right to an Electronic or Paper Copy of This Notice: You can request an electronic or paper copy of this notice. Requests should be submitted in writing to the Compliance Office.
- Changes to This Notice: We reserve the right to change this notice, and the revised notice will apply to existing and future information. We will post the current notice at all Maryvale sites, including the effective date.
- Complaints: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Maryvale, your referring party, the state, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You will not face any penalties for filing a complaint.
- Other Uses of Mental Health Information: Other uses and disclosures not covered by this notice or applicable laws will require your written permission, and you may revoke it in writing at any time.
- Contact Information: For any questions related to our Privacy Policy or HIPAA Compliance, please contact the Compliance Officer at (626) 280-6510 or in writing at Compliance Officer, 7600 Graves Ave., Rosemead, CA 91770.
This Privacy Policy and HIPAA Compliance document is effective as of January 1, 2024, and supersedes any previous versions.
Statement of Compliance with the California Ethical Treatment for Persons with Substance Use Disorder Act (SB349)
Maryvale, as a dedicated provider of healthcare services, including Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment, is fully committed to upholding the principles and regulations set forth by the California Ethical Treatment for Persons with Substance Use Disorder Act, also known as SB349. Our unwavering commitment to ethical and responsible treatment aligns seamlessly with the objectives and requirements outlined in SB349.
1. Equitable Access to Treatment Services
Maryvale acknowledges the importance of providing equitable access to SUD treatment services for all individuals seeking assistance. We comply with SB349 by ensuring that our services are readily available and accessible to individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. Our admissions and intake processes are designed to be inclusive and non-discriminatory, adhering to both state and federal laws.
2. Appropriate Clinical Assessment and Individualized Treatment Plans
Maryvale recognizes the significance of conducting comprehensive clinical assessments to determine the appropriate level of care and treatment for each person with SUD. Our clinical assessments adhere to SB349 requirements, ensuring that the assessment process is conducted by qualified professionals with expertise in SUD. The assessments serve as the foundation for developing individualized treatment plans that cater to the unique needs and circumstances of each patient.
3. Evidence-Based Treatment
Maryvale is committed to delivering evidence-based SUD treatment interventions that have been proven effective in addressing substance use disorders. We continuously monitor the latest advancements in the field and incorporate evidence-based practices into our treatment modalities. This commitment ensures that our patients receive the highest standard of care that aligns with the intent of SB349.
4. Transparency in Billing and Financial Practices
Maryvale recognizes the importance of transparency in billing and financial practices for SUD treatment. We comply with SB349 by providing clear and comprehensible billing statements to patients and their authorized representatives. Our financial practices prioritize fairness and adhere to state regulations to prevent deceptive or fraudulent billing.
5. Patient Confidentiality
Maryvale places a paramount emphasis on maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of our patients, including those seeking SUD treatment. We are fully compliant with SB349’s confidentiality requirements, which prohibit the disclosure of patient records without proper consent or as authorized by law. Our policies and procedures prioritize patient confidentiality and adhere to both state and federal privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
6. Oversight and Accountability
Maryvale acknowledges the importance of oversight and accountability in the provision of SUD treatment services. We have established robust internal mechanisms to monitor compliance with SB349 and other relevant regulations. Additionally, we are committed to cooperating with external oversight agencies to ensure transparency and adherence to ethical treatment practices.
7. Continuous Improvement
Maryvale is dedicated to continuous improvement in our SUD treatment services. We regularly evaluate our programs, procedures, and protocols to identify areas for enhancement. Feedback from patients and stakeholders is invaluable in guiding our efforts to provide the highest quality of care while maintaining compliance with SB349.
Maryvale affirms its unwavering commitment to the ethical treatment of persons with Substance Use Disorder, as mandated by the California Ethical Treatment for Persons with Substance Use Disorder Act (SB349). We pledge to uphold the principles of equitable access, evidence-based treatment, transparency, patient confidentiality, and accountability as we deliver compassionate and effective SUD treatment services to our community. Our dedication to compliance with SB349 reflects our commitment to the well-being and recovery of every individual we serve.
