HIPAA POLICY --- NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
Effective Date: 06/01/2025
This notice describes how medical information about you/your child may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
At Prickly Pear Speech Therapy, we are committed to protecting the privacy of your personal health information (PHI). We are required by law under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to maintain the confidentiality of your information and provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices.
How We May Use and Disclose Your Information
We may use or share your PHI in the following ways:
1. Treatment
To provide, coordinate, or manage speech-language therapy services.
Example: Sharing information with another therapist, physician, or school team involved in care.
2. Payment
To bill and receive payment for services.
(Note: As a private pay provider, this may include invoices, ESA documentation, or HSA/FSA receipts.)
3. Healthcare Operations
To run our practice, improve services, and ensure quality care.
Example: Reviewing treatment outcomes or conducting internal audits.
Other Uses and Disclosures
We may also disclose your information:
With your written authorization
For public health and safety purposes
As required by law (e.g., court orders, abuse/neglect reporting)
To prevent a serious threat to health or safety
For workers’ compensation claims, if applicable
Your Rights Regarding Your Information
You have the right to:
Access and receive copies of your records
Request corrections to your information
Request restrictions on how your information is used
Request confidential communication methods (e.g., email vs. phone)
Receive a list of disclosures
Obtain a copy of this notice
Our Responsibilities
We are required to:
Maintain the privacy and security of your PHI
Notify you if a breach occurs
Follow the terms of this notice
Obtain your authorization for uses not described here
Communication & Technology
We may communicate via phone, text, or email for scheduling and reminders. While we take precautions, electronic communication may carry some risk.
Special Considerations for Minors
For pediatric clients, parents or legal guardians have rights to access records, except in cases where laws allow minors to control certain information.
Changes to This Notice
We reserve the right to change this notice at any time. Updated versions will be available upon request and on our website (if applicable).
Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about your privacy rights, please contact:
Prickly Pear Speech Therapy (520)477-6313 denise@pricklypearspeechaz.com
Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:
Our office (contact above), or
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights
You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.