HIPAA COMPLIANT PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: 07/15/2024
At Empower Wellness Spa, your privacy is our priority. We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and security of your personal health information (PHI) in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information, and your rights concerning your health information.

1. Information We Collect

We collect your Personal Health Information (PHI) when you engage in our services. This may include:
  • Your name, address, phone number, and email address
  • Medical history, treatments, and health conditions
  • Payment and billing information
  • Any other information necessary to provide wellness and spa services

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your PHI only as permitted by law and as necessary to:
  • Provide, manage, and coordinate your treatments and services
  • Contact you regarding appointments, treatments, and wellness plans
  • Bill and collect payment for services rendered
  • Coordinate care with other healthcare providers or specialists, if necessary
  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

3. How We Share Your Information

We will not share your PHI without your consent, except in the following circumstances:
  • Treatment Purposes: Sharing with healthcare providers to ensure you receive appropriate care.
  • Payment: Sharing necessary information with insurance companies or billing partners to facilitate payment.
  • Healthcare Operations: For internal operations, including quality assessment, training, and improvement of our services.
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law to comply with legal proceedings or government investigations.
  • Emergency Situations: In case of a medical emergency where obtaining your consent is impractical.

Opt-in information will not be shared with unauthorized third parties.

4. Your Rights Regarding Your Information

You have the following rights concerning your PHI:
  • Right to Access: You may request a copy of your PHI.
  • Right to Amend: You may request to correct or amend your information if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.
  • Right to Restrict: You can request restrictions on how your PHI is used or shared, although we may not always be able to comply.
  • Right to Confidential Communications: You may request that we contact you in a specific manner (e.g., only at work or by mail).
  • Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a list of instances where your PHI was shared, except for routine uses related to treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
  • Right to Revoke Authorization: If you have provided consent to share your information, you may revoke it at any time, except where sharing has already occurred.

5. How We Protect Your Information

We employ various physical, technical, and administrative measures to ensure the security of your PHI, including:
  • Encryption of electronic records
  • Secure physical storage of documents
  • Restricted access to only authorized personnel
  • Continuous monitoring of our systems to prevent unauthorized access

6. How Long We Retain Your Information

We will retain your PHI only for as long as it is necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by applicable laws. Afterward, it will be securely destroyed.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may periodically update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices, regulations, or laws. Any significant changes will be communicated to you in a timely manner. The updated policy will always be available on our website.

8. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your PHI, please contact us: Empower Wellness Spa 16101 Ventura Blvd. Ste. 130, Encino, CA 91436 Phone: (818) 208-9052 Email: in**@em****************.com

9. Filing a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with us or with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.