Client Notice of
Privacy Practices

This notice describes how your health information may be used and disclosed and how you are able to access this information. Please review it carefully. Protecting our clients’ privacy has always been important to this practice. A new federal and state law entitled the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), went into effect on April 14, 2003 and requires us to inform you of our policy. At Ellie Mental Health, we are very careful to keep your health information secure and confidential. This law requires us to continue maintaining your privacy, to give you this notice and to follow the terms of this notice. The law permits us to use or disclose your health information to those involved in your treatment; for example, a review of your file by a physician specialist, with whom we may involve in your care plan. 

We may use or disclose your health information for payment for your services. For example, we may send a report of your progress to your health insurance company. We may disclose your health information for our normal healthcare operations. For example, one of our staff members will enter your information into our computer. We may share your medical information with our business associates, such as a billing representative or service. We have a written contract with each business associate which requires them to protect your privacy. We may use your information to contact you. For example, we may send newsletters or other information to you. We may also want to call and remind you about appointments. If you are not home, we may leave this information on your answering service or with the person who answers the telephone unless you have instructed us otherwise. In an emergency, we may disclose your health information to a family member or another person responsible for your care. We may release some or all of your health information when required by law. 

If this practice is sold, your information will become the property of the new owner. Except as described above, this practice will not use or disclose your health information without your prior written authorization. You may request in writing that we not use or disclose your health information as described above. We will advise you if we are able to fulfill your request. 

You have the right to know of any uses or disclosures we make with your health information beyond the normal uses. As we will need to contact you from time to time, we will use whatever address or telephone number you prefer. You have the right to transfer copies of your health information to another practice. You have the right to see or receive a copy of any of your health information. You have the right to request an amendment or change to your health information. Supply us, in writing, your request to make changes. If you request to include a statement in your file, please submit it to us in writing. We reserve the right to make the changes or not, however, we will accommodate your request by including your statement in your file. If we agree to an amendment or change, we will not remove or alter earlier documents, but will add new information. 

You have the right to receive a copy of this notice. If we change any details of this notice, we will notify you of the changes, in writing. You may file a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 509F, Washington DC, 20201. If you believe that your privacy has been compromised or if you are seeking more assistance regarding your personal health information and you are a client receiving services in our Minnesota clinics, please email Ellie Mental Health’s Compliance Department by email at: [email protected]. If you are a client receiving services outside of Minnesota, please find the clinic contact information on your clinic location’s webpage.