Notice of Privacy Practices
This notice describes how health information about you, as a client/patient
of The Hearing and Speech Agency, may be used and disclosed, and how you can get
access to your health information. This is required by the Privacy Regulations
created as a result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
of 1996 (HIPAA).
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
The Hearing and Speech Agency is dedicated to maintaining the privacy of
your health information. We are required by law to maintain the confidentiality
of your health information.
We realize that these laws are complicated, but we must provide you with the
following important information.
Use and Disclosure of your Health information in Certain Special
Circumstances
The following circumstances may require us to use or disclose your health
information:
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To public health authorities and health oversight agencies that are
authorized by law to collect information.
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Lawsuits and similar proceedings in response to a court or
administrative order.
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If required to do so by a law enforcement official.
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When necessary to reduce or prevent a serious threat to your health and
safety or the health and safety of another individual or the public. We will
only make disclosures to a person or organization able to help prevent the
threat.
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If you are a member of U.S. or foreign military forces (including
veterans) and if required by the appropriate authorities.
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To federal officials for intelligence and national security activities
authorized by law.
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To correctional institutions or law enforcement officials if you are an
inmate or under the custody of a law enforcement official.
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For Workers Compensation and similar programs.
Your rights regarding your health information:
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Communications. You can request that The Hearing and Speech Agency
communicate with you about your health and related issues in a particular
manner or at a certain location. For instance, you may ask that we contact
you at home, rather than work. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
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You can request a restriction in our use or disclosure of your health
information for treatment, payment, or health care operations. Additionally,
you have the right to request that we restrict our disclosure of your health
information to only certain individuals involved in your care or the payment
for your care, such as family members and friends. We are not required to
agree to your request; however, if we do agree, we are bound by our
agreement except when otherwise required by law, in emergencies, or when the
information is necessary to treat you.
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You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of the health
information that may be used to make decisions about you, including patient
medical records and billing records, but not including psychotherapy notes.
You must submit your request in writing to The Hearing and Speech Agency,
5900 Metro Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215, 410-318-6780.
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You may ask us to amend your health information if you believe it is
incorrect or incomplete, and as long as the information is kept by or for
The Hearing and Speech Agency. To request an amendment, your request must be
made in writing and submitted to The Hearing and Speech Agency, 5900 Metro
Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215, 410-318-6780. You must provide us
with a reason that supports your request for amendment.
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Right to a copy of this notice. You are entitled to receive a copy of
this Notice of Privacy Practices. You may ask us to give you a copy of this
Notice at any time. To obtain a copy of this notice, contact The Hearing and
Speech Agency, 5900 Metro Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215, 410-318-6780.
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Right to file a complaint. If you believe your privacy rights have been
violated, you may file a complaint with The Hearing and Speech Agency or
with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. To file a
complaint with The Hearing and Speech Agency, contact The Hearing and Speech
Agency, 5900 Metro Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215, 410-318-6780, 410-243-3800. All
complaints must be submitted in writing. You will not be penalized for
filing a complaint.
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Right to provide an authorization for other uses and disclosures. The
Hearing and Speech Agency will obtain your written authorization for uses
and disclosures that are not identified by this notice or permitted by
applicable law.
If you have any questions regarding this notice or our health information
privacy policies, please contact The Hearing and Speech Agency, 5900 Metro
Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215, 410-318-6780.
Comprehensive Notice of Policies Available on Request