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HIPPA Policy

Last Updated: 8/1/2023

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  1. Purpose and Scope
    This policy outlines Ripple Effects Community Inclusion Center's commitment to protecting the health information of our clients in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.

  2. Definitions

    • Protected Health Information (PHI): Any information, whether oral or recorded in any form or medium, that relates to an individual's past, present, or future physical or mental health; the provision of health care to the individual; or past, present, or future payment for health care.

  3. Use and Disclosure of PHI
    Ripple Effects Community Inclusion Center will use and disclose PHI only as permitted under HIPAA regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, treatment, payment, and health care operations.

  4. Rights of Individuals
    Individuals have the right to:

    • Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of PHI.

    • Receive confidential communications of PHI.

    • Inspect and obtain a copy of their PHI.

    • Request amendments to their PHI.

    • Receive an accounting of disclosures of PHI.

  5. Administrative Safeguards

    • Training: All employees will receive training on HIPAA policies and procedures.

    • Sanctions: Employees who violate this policy will face sanctions, up to and including termination.

    • Complaints: Individuals may file complaints regarding our privacy practices.

  6. Physical Safeguards

    • All records containing PHI will be secured in locked areas when not in use.

    • Access to electronic PHI will be restricted to authorized personnel only.

  7. Technical Safeguards

    • PHI stored electronically will be encrypted.

    • We will maintain audit logs and monitor access to electronic PHI.

  8. Breach Notification
    In the event of a breach of unsecured PHI, Ripple Effects Community Inclusion Center will notify affected individuals, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and in certain circumstances, the media, in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

  9. Policy Review and Modification
    This policy will be reviewed and updated annually or as needed to ensure compliance with changes to HIPAA regulations and changes in our practices.

  10. Contact
    For questions or concerns related to this policy or our privacy practices, please contact our HIPAA Compliance Officer at Ripple Effects Community Inclusion Center, 2255 W Centre Ave. Portage, MI 49024.
     

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