Notice of Privacy Practices
To Albers Medical Pharmacy patients. This notice
describes how health information about you, as a patient of Albers
Medical Pharmacy, may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access
to your health information. This is required by the Privacy Regulations
created as a result of the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
Albers Medical Pharmacy commitment to your privacy
Albers Medical Pharmacy is dedicated to maintaining the
privacy of your health information. We are required by law to maintain
the confidentiality of your health information.
We realize that these laws are complicated, but we must provide you with the following important information:
Use and disclosure of your health information in certain special circumstances
The following circumstances may require Albers Medical Pharmacy to use or disclose your health information:
1. To public health authorities and health oversight agencies that are authorized by law to collect information.
2. Lawsuits and similar proceedings in response to a court or administrative order.
3. If required to do so by a law enforcement official.
4. When necessary to reduce or prevent a serious threat to
your health and safety or the health and safety of another individual or
the public. We will only make disclosures to a person or organization
able to help prevent the threat.
5. If you are a member of U.S. or foreign military forces (including veterans) and if required by the appropriate authorities.
6. To federal officials for intelligence and national security activities authorized by law.
7. To correctional institutions or law enforcement
officials if you are an inmate or under the custody of a law enforcement
official.
8. For Workers Compensation and similar programs.
Your rights regarding your health information
1. Communications. You can request that Albers Medical
Pharmacy communicate with you about your health and related issues in a
particular manner or at a certain location. For instance, you may ask
that we contact you at home, rather than work. We will accommodate
reasonable requests.
- You can request a restriction in our use or disclosure
of your health information for treatment, payment, or health care
operations. Additionally, you have the right to request that we restrict
our disclosure of your health information to only certain individuals
involved in your care or the payment for your care, such as family
members and friends. We are not required to agree to your request;
however, if we do agree, we are bound by our agreement except when
otherwise required by law, in emergencies, or when the information is
necessary to treat you.
3. You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of the
health information that may be used to make decisions about you,
including patient medical records and billing records, but not including
psychotherapy notes. You must submit your request in writing to Darren
Lea, Chief Pharmacist and Privacy Officer.
4. You may ask us to amend your health information if you
believe it is incorrect or incomplete, and as long as the information is
kept by or for our pharmacy. To request an amendment, your request must
be made in writing and submitted to Darren Lea, Chief Pharmacist and
Privacy Officer. You must provide us with a reason that supports your
request for amendment.
5. Right to a copy of this notice. You are entitled to
receive a copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices. You may ask us to
give you a copy of this Notice at any time. To obtain a copy of this
notice, contact Darren Lea, Chief Pharmacist and Privacy Officer.
6. Right to file a complaint. If you believe your privacy
rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Albers Medical
Pharmacy or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human
Services. To file a complaint with Albers Medical Pharmacy, contact
Darren Lea, Chief Pharmacist and Privacy Officer. All complaints must be
submitted in writing. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.
7. Right to provide an authorization for other uses and
disclosures. Albers Medical Pharmacy will obtain your written
authorization for uses and disclosures that are not identified by this
notice or permitted by applicable law.