Notice of Privacy Practices

Hunting for Hope LLC

​

I am required by law to protect the privacy of your Protected Health Information (“PHI”), provide you with this Notice, and follow the privacy practices described here.

This Notice applies to all PHI created, received, or maintained by Hunting for Hope LLC in any format, including electronic, written, or verbal records.

This Notice may be updated as needed. The most recent version will be available upon request.

Business Associate Agreements are maintained with third-party vendors that may create, receive, maintain, or transmit PHI on behalf of the practice, including communication, documentation, and telehealth platforms.

These vendors are required to maintain appropriate privacy and security safeguards.

II. How Your Health Information May Be Used and Disclosed

Federal privacy law permits the use or disclosure of PHI without written authorization for the following purposes:

1. Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations

PHI may be used or disclosed to provide clinical services, coordinate treatment, consult with other professionals, or manage practice operations.

Example: Consulting with another licensed professional regarding clinical care.

Electronic services may include HIPAA-compliant platforms such as:

• Zoom Communications, Inc. • SimplePractice • iPlum

Electronic communication carries privacy risks that cannot be completely eliminated.

2. Legal or Administrative Proceedings

PHI may be disclosed in response to a court order, subpoena, administrative order, or other lawful process when required by law.

III. Uses and Disclosures Requiring Written Authorization

Psychotherapy Notes

Psychotherapy notes, if maintained, are stored separately from the general treatment record and are subject to additional protections under HIPAA.

Psychotherapy notes may be used without authorization for treatment, clinical supervision, training, legal defense if the client initiates legal action, or when otherwise required by law.

Marketing and Sale of PHI

PHI will not be used for marketing purposes.

PHI will not be sold.

Written authorization may be revoked at any time by submitting a written request.

IV. Uses and Disclosures That Do Not Require Authorization

PHI may be disclosed without authorization for:

• Mandated reporting of child, elder, or vulnerable adult abuse

• Health oversight activities such as audits or investigations

• Judicial or administrative orders

• Law enforcement purposes

• Public health and safety risk prevention

• Coroner or medical examiner duties

• Research approved by privacy review authorities

• Specialized government functions

• Workers’ compensation purposes

• Appointment reminders and service notifications

V. Disclosures When You Have Opportunity to Object

PHI may be shared with family members or individuals involved in your care unless you object.

During emergencies, disclosure may occur when clinically necessary.

VI. Your Rights Regarding Protected Health Information

1. Right to Request Restrictions

You may request restrictions on how PHI is used or disclosed.

The practice is not required to agree to requested restrictions except when you have paid in full out-of-pocket and request restriction of disclosure to a health plan.

2. Right to Confidential Communications

You may request preferred communication methods or locations. Reasonable requests will be honored when operationally feasible.

3. Right to Inspect and Obtain Copies

You may request electronic or paper copies of your record, excluding psychotherapy notes if legally restricted.

Records will generally be provided within 30 days. Reasonable administrative fees may apply.

4. Right to Amend Records

If you believe your PHI is inaccurate or incomplete, you may request an amendment.

If a request is denied, a written explanation will be provided.

5. Right to Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of certain PHI disclosures made within the previous six years.

The first request within a 12-month period is provided at no cost. Additional requests may incur administrative fees.

6. Right to Receive This Notice

You may request a paper or electronic copy of this Notice at any time.

VII. Privacy Practices for Electronic Communication

Secure electronic communication may be conducted through HIPAA-compliant services.

While reasonable safeguards are used, no electronic communication method can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Electronic communication should not be used for emergencies.

VIII. Clinical Safety and Escalation of Care

Clinical services are guided by professional clinical judgment and standard mental health practice.

Some clients may experience historical, passive, or chronic thoughts related to suicide or self-harm without being in immediate danger. The goal of treatment is safety, stabilization, and symptom reduction while maintaining appropriate clinical judgment regarding level of care.

If clinical risk increases during treatment, safety planning, consultation, referral, or escalation of care may be recommended.

IX. Professional Standards of Care

Treatment decisions are individualized and documented in accordance with professional ethical standards.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Records Confidentiality Notice

Federal law provides special protections for records related to substance use disorder treatment under 42 CFR Part 2.

Information identifying a patient as having or receiving substance use disorder treatment is protected by federal confidentiality laws and regulations.

These records generally cannot be used or disclosed without your written consent, except in limited circumstances permitted by law.

Permitted disclosures may include:

• Medical emergencies

• Certain public health activities

• Scientific research

• Court orders meeting federal requirements

• Audits and program evaluations

• As otherwise authorized under federal law

Patients have the right to request restrictions, obtain copies of their records, and revoke consent for disclosure consistent with federal regulations.

Unauthorized disclosure of these records is prohibited and may result in penalties under federal law.

For more information about your privacy rights, you may contact our office or review guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.