This privacy policy page for Northwoods Haven describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Our privacy policy is compliant with relevant laws and regulations, including but not limited to the United States Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and we will only provide information to third parties as permitted by applicable laws.
Our Privacy Policy
Northwoods Haven is committed to providing you with quality behavioral healthcare services. An important part of that commitment is protecting your health information according to applicable law. This notice (“Notice of Privacy Practices”) describes your rights and our duties under Federal Law.
Protected health information (“PHI”) is information about you, including demographic information, that may identify you and that relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition; the provision of healthcare services; or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of healthcare services to you.
Our Duties
We are required by law to:
- Maintain the privacy of your PHI.
- Provide you with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your PHI.
- Notify you following a breach of unsecured PHI related to you.
We are required to abide by the terms of this Notice of Privacy Practices. This Notice is effective as of the date listed on the first page and will remain in effect until it is revised. We are required to modify this Notice when there are material changes to your rights, our duties, or other practices contained herein.
We reserve the right to change our privacy policy and practices, consistent with applicable law and our business processes, at any time. Any new Notice will be effective for all PHI we maintain at that time. Notification of revisions will be provided:
- Upon request;
- Electronically via our website or other electronic means; and
- As posted in our place of business.
We also have a duty to respond to your requests in a timely and appropriate manner. We support and value your right to privacy and are committed to maintaining reasonable safeguards for your PHI.
Confidentiality of Addiction Treatment Records
The confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records maintained by us is protected by Federal law and regulations. Generally, we may not disclose to a person outside the treatment center that you are a patient, or disclose any information identifying you as an alcohol or drug abuser unless:
- You consent in writing;
- The disclosure is allowed by a court order; or
- The disclosure is made to medical personnel in an emergency, or to qualified personnel for research, audit, or program evaluation.
Violation of Federal law and regulations by the treatment center is a crime. Suspected violations may be reported to appropriate authorities.
Federal law and regulations do not protect:
- Information about a crime committed by you at the treatment center or against any staff member, or any threat to commit such a crime.
- Information about suspected child abuse or neglect from being reported under State law to the proper authorities.
(See 42 U.S.C. 290dd-3, 42 U.S.C. 290ee-3, and 42 CFR part 2.)
Uses and Disclosures of PHI
Your PHI may be used and disclosed in the following ways:
- Within Northwoods Haven Personnel: Doctors, nurses, and clinicians may use your PHI for treatment, billing, insurance eligibility, and healthcare operations.
- Secretary of Health and Human Services: We are required to disclose PHI to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services when investigating compliance with HIPAA.
- Business Associates: We may disclose PHI to contractors performing services on our behalf, provided they comply with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
- Crimes on Premises: Information related to crimes on our premises or against staff may be disclosed to law enforcement.
- Child Abuse/Neglect Reports: We may disclose PHI as required under state law for suspected child abuse or neglect.
- Court Orders: Disclosures may be made as required by a valid court order.
- Emergencies: Information may be shared with medical personnel in emergencies.
- Research: Certain disclosures for research may be permitted with safeguards.
- Audits & Evaluations: We may share PHI with auditors or evaluators under strict conditions.
- Death Reporting: Information may be disclosed to public health authorities regarding cause of death.
Authorization to Use or Disclose PHI
Other than as stated above, we will not use or disclose your PHI without your written authorization. You may revoke authorization in writing at any time, and it will apply to future uses/disclosures only.
Patient / Client Rights
You have the following rights regarding your PHI:
- Right to Notice: You may request this Notice in paper or electronic form at any time.
- Right of Access: You may inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI, subject to limited exceptions.
- Right to Amend: You may request corrections to your PHI if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.
- Right to Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a list of certain disclosures of your PHI.
- Right to Request Restrictions: You may request limits on how we use or disclose your PHI.
- Right to Confidential Communication: You may request that we communicate with you in a specific way (e.g., by mail, at a different address).
- Right to Out-of-Pocket Payment Restrictions: You may request that information about services paid in full out-of-pocket not be shared with your health plan.
- Right to Notification of a Breach: You will be notified if there is a breach of your unsecured PHI.
- Right to Voice Concerns: You may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services if you believe your rights have been violated. We will not retaliate against you.
Questions, Requests, and Complaints
For questions, requests, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact:
Northwoods Haven
5900 Green Oak Drive, #306
Hopkins, MN, 55343
[email protected]
We support your right to privacy of your Protected Health Information. You will not be retaliated against in any way if you choose to file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
If you wish to submit a complaint directly to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, you may do so at:
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
877.696.6775
[email protected]
www.hhs.gov