California Privacy Policy for Wellness Psychiatry
Effective Date: 12/24/2024
At Wellness Psychiatry, protecting your privacy is our top priority. We are committed to safeguarding your personal and health information and adhering to all applicable privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information.
Responsible Party
Wellness Psychiatry is solely responsible for managing and safeguarding your information.
Information We Collect
We collect only the information necessary to provide you with high-quality care. This includes:
– Personal identifiers (e.g., name, date of birth, address, phone number, email)
– Medical history and treatment records
– Billing information (e.g., insurance details, payment records)
How Your Information Is Used
We use your information solely for purposes related to your care and treatment, such as:
– Diagnosing and treating mental health conditions
– Coordinating care with authorized providers
– Billing and administrative functions
Sharing Your Information
Your information is never sold or shared for marketing purposes. It may only be shared
under these circumstances:
1. **With Your Written Consent:** If you authorize us to share your information for a specific purpose.
2. **As Required by Law:** To comply with legal obligations, such as court orders or public health requirements.
3. **With Business Associates:** When working with trusted partners who provide services on our behalf (e.g., billing, IT support). These associates are required by law to comply with HIPAA regulations.
HIPAA Compliance
Your health information is managed with the same level of care and compliance as any medical record. We employ administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of your data.
Your Rights Under CCPA and HIPAA
You have specific rights regarding your personal information, including:
– **Access:** You can request a copy of your records.
– **Correction:** You can request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
– **Restriction:** You can request that we restrict how your information is used or
disclosed.
– **Deletion:** You can request the deletion of certain personal information, subject to legal
retention requirements.
– **Transparency:** You have the right to know what data we collect and how it is used.
Cookies and Online Data
We do not collect cookies or other tracking data on our website.
Data Retention
We retain your information as required by law to ensure continuity of care. Upon expiration of these retention requirements, your information will be securely destroyed.
Data Breach Notification
In the unlikely event of a data breach, you will be notified immediately upon discovery. In over 20 years of practice, we have never experienced a data breach.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us via email at office@wellness-psychiatry.com or the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Policy Updates
We may update this policy to reflect changes in laws or our practices. Updates will be communicated to you and posted on our website with the effective date. We are committed to earning and maintaining your trust. Thank you for choosing Wellness Psychiatry.