NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES FOR PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI)

the Relationship Health Collective
Effective Date: April 30, 2025
Contact: Katie Lenger, Ph.D.
Email: info@relationshiphealthcollective.com
Phone Number: 844-533-0824

This notice describes how your health information may be used and shared, as well as how you can access this information. Please review it carefully.

YOUR INFORMATION, RIGHTS, AND OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
We understand that your Protected Health Information (PHI) is private and personal, and we are dedicated to safeguarding it. When you receive care from our practice, we generate records related to your treatment, services provided, and other relevant medical information. We are legally obligated to ensure your PHI remains confidential and protected.

SUMMARY OF OUR PRIVACY PRACTICES
This document describes how we handle your health information and your rights under HIPAA.

I. Your Rights

Regarding your health information, you have the following rights:

  • Obtain copies of your medical records (electronic or paper format)

  • Request corrections to your medical records

  • Request confidential methods of communication

  • Request limitations on how we share your information

  • Request a list of parties with whom we have shared your information

  • Obtain a physical copy of this privacy notice

  • Designate someone to represent your interests regarding your health information

  • File a formal complaint if you believe your privacy rights were violated

II. Your Choices
You have choices regarding how we share certain health information. Specifically, you can direct us to:

  • Share information with family, friends, or others involved in your care

  • Share information during disaster relief efforts

If you're unable to communicate your preferences clearly (e.g., due to unconsciousness), we may share your information if we believe it aligns with your best interests or to address imminent safety risks.

We will not share your information without explicit written consent for:

  • Marketing

  • Sale of your information

  • Most sharing of psychotherapy notes

Regarding fundraising, we may contact you, but you can opt-out of future communications.

III. Our Uses and Disclosures
Typically, we use and disclose your information to:

  • Provide treatment: Share with healthcare professionals involved in your care.

  • Operate our practice: Improve services and administrative operations.

We are also permitted or required by law to disclose your information in specific situations, such as:

  • Public health and safety matters (e.g., reporting diseases, medication reactions)

  • Research purposes

  • Legal compliance (e.g., reporting to government agencies)

  • Responding to organ and tissue donation requests

  • Working with medical examiners or funeral directors

  • Workers' compensation and law enforcement purposes

  • Responding to court or administrative orders or subpoenas

Our Responsibilities:

  • We must protect your PHI's privacy and security.

  • Promptly notify you if a breach compromising your PHI occurs.

  • Adhere to the privacy practices outlined in this notice.

  • Obtain your written consent before using or sharing your information in ways not detailed here. You can withdraw consent at any time by notifying us in writing. 

LIMITATIONS ON DISCLOSURE OF HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Certain states impose stricter privacy protections for specific types of health information. We generally need your explicit authorization to disclose such highly confidential information but may disclose it without authorization under specific circumstances outlined in state laws. Refer to our State-Specific Privacy Practices for more details applicable to your location. 

QUESTIONS AND COMPLAINTS
If you have privacy-related questions, disagree with a decision regarding your information, or have other concerns, contact Katie Lenger, Ph.D., at info@relationshiphealthcollective.com

If you believe your privacy rights have been compromised, you may file a written complaint with the Relationship Health Collective. Filing a complaint will not negatively affect your treatment. You can also file a complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by contacting:

200 Independence Avenue, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20201
1-877-696-6775
www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa

EFFECTIVE DATE
This notice went into effect on April 30, 2025.

For further information, please visit:

www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/noticepp.html  

CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE
We reserve the right to amend the terms of this notice. Changes apply to all information we maintain about you. Updated notices will be made available upon request and posted on our website.

If you have questions or want to exercise your rights, contact:

Katie Lenger, Ph.D.
Email: info@relationshiphealthcollective.com
Phone: 844-533-0824