Privacy Policy for SMS communications
Effective Date:03/12/2025
Introduction
Bright Horizons Psychiatry is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how your information is collected, used, and shared when engaging with our services, including SMS communications.
Information Collection and Use
We collect personal information you provide directly to us, such as when you sign up for services, fill out forms, or communicate with us. This information may include your name, phone number, email address, and any other details necessary to provide you with relevant updates and services.
SMS Consent and Information Usage
When you provide consent to receive SMS communications from Bright Horizons Psychiatry, the information obtained as part of the SMS consent process will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes. No mobile opt-in or text message consent will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.
SMS messages may include updates regarding your appointments, treatment reminders, or other relevant information related to your care. Job applicants may receive messages regarding their application status, onboarding materials, or employment-related updates.
Message Disclosures
• Messaging frequency may vary.
• Message and data rates may apply.
• You can opt out of SMS communications at any time by texting STOP.
For assistance, contact us at info@brighthorizonspsychiatry.com.
Information Sharing
We may share your information with trusted third-party providers who assist in delivering our services. These providers are contractually obligated to use your information only as directed by Bright Horizons Psychiatry and to comply with data protection laws.We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.
Data Security
We take appropriate measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. However, no data transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.
Your Choices
You may update your contact preferences or request data removal by contacting our office directly. To opt out of SMS communications, reply STOP at any time.
Contact Us If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at info@brighthorizonspsychiatry.com.
Privacy Policy on Protected Health Information (PHI)
Effective Date: 04/03/2025
At Bright Horizons Psychiatry, we are committed to safeguarding the privacy and security of your Protected Health Information (PHI). This Privacy Policy outlines how your medical information may be used, disclosed, and accessed in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state laws.
How We Protect Your Information
Bright Horizons Psychiatry employs physical, administrative, and technical safeguards to protect your PHI:
- Secure Storage: All medical records are securely stored using encrypted systems and restricted-access platforms.
- Staff Training: Our team undergoes regular HIPAA compliance training to ensure the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism.
- Access Controls: PHI is accessed only by authorized personnel for purposes of treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.
- Business Associate Agreements: Any third parties with whom we share PHI (e.g., billing services) are bound by formal Business Associate Agreements that require HIPAA compliance.
- No Unauthorized Sharing: We do not disclose your PHI without your written consent unless legally required or permitted by law.
How We May Use and Disclose Your PHI
Your PHI may be used or disclosed for the following purposes:
- Treatment: Coordination of care with other healthcare providers.
- Payment: Billing and collection of payment from insurance or other third-party payers.
- Healthcare Operations: Quality assessment, staff training, and internal audits.
We may also use or disclose your information for public health activities, legal obligations, or to prevent a serious threat to health or safety, as required by law.
Your Rights Under HIPAA
You have the following rights regarding your PHI:
- Right to Access: You may review and request a copy of your medical records.
- Right to Request Amendments: If you believe your PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you may request a correction.
- Right to Request Restrictions: You can request limitations on how we use or disclose your information. While we will consider your request, we are not required to agree to all restrictions.
- Right to Confidential Communications: You may request we contact you in a specific way (e.g., by mail or at a specific number).
- Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a list of instances where we disclosed your PHI, excluding those for treatment, payment, or operations.
- Right to File a Complaint: If you believe your rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our Privacy Officer or directly with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Policy Updates
We reserve the right to change this Privacy Policy at any time. When updates are made, we will post the revised policy on our website and make it available upon request. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed of how we protect your PHI.
How to File a Complaint or Contact Us
Privacy Officer: Shelly Valliath NP
Phone: (240) 599-1001
Email: info@bhpmd.com
Address: Bright Horizons Psychiatry, 6000 Executive Blvd. Suite 101, North Bethesda, MD, 20852
To file a complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
Visit www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints
