Policy>HIPAA Policy

Isis Maternity Notice of Privacy Practices Effective August 1, 2004

In this notice, “you” and “your” pertain both to “you” and/or to “your child” or “your children” where appropriate. A. Our Responsibilities

Isis Maternity is legally required to:

• provide a Notice of Privacy Practices explaining your privacy rights and our efforts to maintain your privacy.
• maintain the confidentiality of your protected health information (referred to in this policy as your “personal information”).
• abide by the terms of the Notice of Privacy Practices.

Isis Maternity reserves the right to change the Notice of Privacy Practices at any time, and to make such changes effective for all personal information maintained by Isis Maternity. You may learn of changes to the Notice of Privacy Practices through the Isis Maternity website at www.isismaternity.com or by calling 617-264-4747.

B. Your Rights

When you give Isis Maternity your personal information, you have the right to:

• request that Isis Maternity use specific forms of communication to be in contact with you.
• request amendments to your personal information.
• request a restriction on the use of your personal information.
• inspect and copy your personal information.
• obtain and keep a copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices.

C. Informal Acts of Protection

To maintain the confidentiality of your personal information, Isis Maternity performs informal acts of protection including the following:

• personal information (e.g., address, phone number, e-mail) is available only to Isis Maternity staff and is used only as described in this Notice of Privacy Practices.
• general health information (e.g. due date, physician.s name, types of appointments) is stored in databases only available to the staff.
• personal information is stored in locked cabinets and secure electronic files only available to appropriate staff who needs access in order to serve a client.

In order to carry out these informal acts of protection, reasonable efforts are made to:

• keep computer monitors and paper documents out of public view,
• hold verbal discussions in private, and
• limit access to paper and electronic files to people who require the information to serve a client.

D. How Isis Maternity may use and disclose your personal information

The following are examples of the types of uses and disclosures of your personal information that Isis Maternity is legally permitted to make.

• Isis Maternity may use and disclose your personal information to provide and/or manage your care. This includes services such as psychological counseling, massage therapy, nutrition consultations and lactation consultations. For example, Isis Maternity may share personal information with other health care providers who are involved in your care.
• Isis Maternity may use and disclose your personal information, as needed, to bill and otherwise collect payment for the services provided by Isis Maternity. For example, if you would like to renew a breast pump rental over the phone, Isis Maternity staff will extend the rental and charge your credit card that is kept in confidential files.
• Isis Maternity may use or disclose personal information in order to conduct its business of providing services. For example, this may include quality assessment, training of staff and other activities that are necessary for Isis Maternity to run its business and improve the quality and cost effectiveness of care it delivers to you.
• Isis Maternity may use and disclose your personal information in the case of medical emergency to provide you with the necessary medical services. For example, if any information pertinent to the health and safety of either your baby or you comes up during the consultation, the Isis Maternity provider will contact the necessary care provider to inform them of the situation.
• Isis Maternity may use your personal information to remind you of appointments and/or to make you aware of new services or treatment alternatives. For example, with your permission, Isis Maternity uses your contact information to send you the monthly newsletter.
• Isis Maternity may use and disclose your personal information for law-enforcement purposes including reporting suspected incidences of domestic violence.

If, at any time, you feel your rights have been violated, please contact Amy Finn for more information at 617-264-4747. You may also contact the Department of Health and Human Services.