Privacy Practices

Notice of Privacy Practices: The following summary is our privacy policy based on the federal law governing patient privacy and reflects our own high standard of patient confidentiality.

Uses and Disclosures:  You have a right to know how we use the health information about you as a client of Catholic Social Services.  We may use your health information for treatment to obtain payment for treatment, for administrative purposes, and to evaluate the quality of care received from our agency.  In addition, Catholic Social Services may be required to disclose information to comply with state or federal laws.  Examples include, but are not limited to, report of abuse to a minor, court orders, or imminent danger to yourself or others.  However, generally we will ask for your written authorization before using or disclosing identifiable health information about you.

Your Rights: You have a right to inspect and request your protected health information.  However, under law you may not necessarily have copies of the following records including, but not limited to, psychotherapy and psychiatric progress notes.  You have the right to request a restriction of your protected health information.  You have a right to request your protected health information be amended.  You have a right to receive an accounting of certain disclosures of your protected health information.  Any of the above requests must be made in writing using a Release of Information form with reasonable time to respond/compile the information.

Our Duties:  We are required by law to protect the privacy of your information, provide you with this notice, and follow the information practices as described.  Catholic Social Services also reserves the right to amend its policies regarding these matters and will maintain a current copy.  You can also request a copy of our notices at any time.

Concerns:  If you have questions or concerns about your privacy practices, please contact us.  You may also send a written complaint to the US Department of Health and Human Services.  We support your right to the privacy of your health information.

Our CSS Contact Officer is Lorinda Collings, Director of Human Resources, 605-348-6086.