PRIVACY POLICY
Effective Date: January 1, 2021 - Latest Revision January 15, 2024
This Privacy Policy outlines the data handling practices of GeneScreen Counseling, LLC ("we," "us," or "our") with respect to the personal and genetic health information of our users ("you" or "your"). Our commitment to your privacy is paramount, and we adhere strictly to the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and relevant regulations.
1. Collection of Information
We gather information that you or your authorized healthcare provider shares with us, including your personal details, medical history, and genetic data, all of which are considered protected Personal Health Information (PHI). Additionally, as part of our commitment to providing quality genetic counseling services, we may record or transcribe our phone calls and/or meetings with you for quality assurance and accuracy in documentation. Secure access is restricted to authorized personnel only.
2. Use of Information
Use of your information is required in order to offer you our personalized genetic counseling services. This includes but is not limited to:
- Delivering accurate genetic counseling based on your genetic information and family history.
- Facilitating ongoing support and communication regarding your genetic health.
- Ensuring the effectiveness and continuous improvement of our service.
3. Disclosure of Information
Your PHI will never be disclosed except in the following circumstances:
- To your referring authorized healthcare provider, as part of a coordinated care approach.
- Directly to you upon your verified request.
- To individuals you have expressly authorized in writing to receive your information.
We will never disclose your PHI for any other purpose, including marketing or sales, without your explicit consent. These privacy requirements are a matter of law, regulation, and our HIPAA required Business Associate Agreements (BAA).
4. Audit Trail
We maintain a comprehensive audit trail for all interactions with patient records and recorded conversations, ensuring full traceability and accountability as per HIPAA standards.
5. Data Security
We maintain a HIPAA compliant, comprehensive audit trail for all interactions with PHI, assuring full traceability and accountability as per the HIPAA and HITECH acts. GeneScreen’s data security measures meet or exceed all HITECH and HIPAA requirements and legal obligations.
6. Policy Updates
We may modify this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect changes in regulatory or legal requirements. This policy is current as of the "Effective Date" shown above.
7. Contact Information
For questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, or to request us to share PHI on your behalf, please contact us at: privacyofficer@gene-screen.com
GeneScreen Counseling, LLC
This Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) describes how we, GeneScreen Counseling, LLC, may use and disclose your protected health information (PHI) to carry out treatment, payment, or healthcare operations and for other purposes that are permitted or required by law. It also describes your rights to access and control your PHI.
I. Uses and Disclosures of Protected Health Information
• Treatment: We may use or disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare and any related services. This includes the coordination or management of your healthcare with a third party, consultation with other healthcare providers, or referral to another provider for treatment.
• Payment: We may use and disclose your PHI to obtain payment for the healthcare services we provide to you.
• Healthcare Operations: We may use and disclose your PHI in connection with our healthcare operations, which include quality assessment and improvement activities, reviewing the competence or qualifications of healthcare professionals, evaluating provider performance, and conducting training programs.
II. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your PHI:
• Right to Inspect and Copy: You have the right to inspect and copy your PHI that we maintain in a designated record set.
• Right to Amend: If you believe that your PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment.
• Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to request an accounting of certain disclosures of your PHI that we have made.
• Right to Request Restrictions: You have the right to request a restriction or limitation on the use or disclosure of your PHI.
• Right to Request Confidential Communications: You have the right to request that we communicate with you about medical matters in a certain way or at a certain location.
• Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice: You have the right to a paper copy of this notice, even if you have agreed to receive this notice electronically.
III. Changes to This Notice
We reserve the right to change this notice and make the new notice provisions effective for all PHI we maintain. We will post the current notice on our website.
IV. Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. All complaints must be submitted in writing. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
V. Contact Information
For more information about our privacy practices, to request a copy of this notice, or to file a complaint, please contact:
Martin Harris
Privacy Officer, GeneScreen Counseling, LLC
privacyofficer@gene-screen.com