HIPAA POLICIES

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES & CLIENT RIGHTS

This page applies to anyone who utilizes the services of Agape Christian Counseling Services as a client of the agency, and describes the confidentiality of the client’s medical records, how the information is used, the client’s rights, and how the client may obtain this information. A hard copy of this information is available upon request.

OUR LEGAL RIGHTS

The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) requires all health care records and other individually identifiable health information (protected health information) used or disclosed to us in any form, whether electronically, on paper, or orally, be kept confidential. This federal law gives the client significant rights to understand and control how their health information is used. HIPAA provides penalties for covered entities that misuse personal health information. As required by HIPAA, we have prepared this explanation of how we are required to maintain the privacy of client health information and how we may use and disclose client health information. We have the right to revise our privacy policies for all medical records, including records kept before policy changes were made. The contents of material disclosed to us in an evaluation, intake, or counseling session are covered by the law as private information. We respect the privacy of the information any client provides, and we abide by ethical and legal requirements of confidentiality and privacy of records.

LIMITED AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION

It is the policy of Agape Christian Counseling Services to protect to the maximum extent possible the privacy of every client. Generally, no one will be given any information about either the client or services furnished to the client without the client’s prior written authorization or consent. There are, however, some circumstances which require the disclosure of information without the client’s consent. Briefly, these are:

  1. Abuse: If a client states or suggests that he or she is abusing a child or vulnerable adult, or has recently abused a child or vulnerable adult, or a child (or vulnerable adult) is in danger of abuse, the health care professional is required to report this information to the appropriate social service and/or legal authorities.
  2. Duty to Warn and Protect: When a client discloses intentions or a plan to harm another person or persons, the health care professional is required to warn the intended victim and report this information to legal authorities. In cases in which the client discloses or implies a plan for suicide, the health care professional is required to notify legal authorities and make reasonable attempts to notify the family of the client.
  3. Professional Supervision: All cases of Agape Christian Counseling Services periodically may be reviewed or discussed with one or more supervisory therapists, including professionals under independent contract. The supervising professionals are obligated to maintain and follow all of Agape Christian Counseling Services guidelines concerning confidentiality.
  4. Third-party Payers: Insurance companies, managed care, and other third-party payers are given information that they request regarding services to the client. Information which may be requested includes type of services, dates/times of services, diagnosis, treatment plan, description of impairment, progress of therapy, and treatment summaries.
  5. Collections: When payment for services are the responsibility of the client, or a person who has agreed to providing payment, and payment has not been made within three months, collection agencies may be utilized in collecting unpaid debts. The specific content of the services (e.g. diagnosis, treatment plan, progress notes, testing) is not disclosed. If a debt remains unpaid it may be reported to credit agencies, and the client’s credit report may state the amount owed, the time-frame, and the name of the agency or collection source.
  6. Group Therapy: When group therapy is provided, Agape Christian Counseling Services will stress to all participants the need to respect the privacy rights of all other participants and will stress that there should be no disclosure to others of information learned or acquired during the course of a group session. However, Agape Christian Counseling Services cannot control the conduct or actions of other group members, and hence makes no representation or agreement concerning their conduct.

PROVISIONS FOR COMMUNICATION

If the agency or mental health professional must telephone the client for purposes such as appointment cancellations or reminders, or to give/receive other information, efforts are made to preserve confidentiality. We will adhere to the following procedure when making phone calls:

First, we will ask to speak to the client (or guardian) without identifying the name of the agency. If the person answering the phone asks for more identifying information we will give the mental health professional’s first name and/or our agency’s abbreviated name (ACCS). If we reach an answering machine or voicemail, we will follow the same guidelines. Please be aware that email is not considered secure and/or confidential. If a client wishes to communicate with their therapist or the administrative office by email, please request the appropriate form, giving us permission to do so.

CLIENT RIGHTS

  1. Availability of Records: Clients have the right to obtain a copy and/or inspect their protected health information; however, we may deny access to certain records in which case we will discuss this decision with the client.
  2. Amendment of Records: Clients have the right to request an amendment to their records; however, this request could be denied. If denied, the request will be kept in the records.
  3. Canceling a Release of Information: Clients have the right to cancel a release of information by providing us a written notice. If a client desires to have their information sent to a location different than our address on file, they must provide this information in writing.

COMPLAINTS

Clients have the right to file a formal, written complaint with us at the address below, or with the Missouri Board of Counseling Licensure, in the event they feel their privacy or treatment rights have been violated. We will not retaliate against clients for filing a complaint.

To file a complaint with Agape Christian Counseling Services:

Administrative Director or Executive Director

Agape Christian Counseling Services

9378 Olive Blvd, Ste 317

St Louis MO 63132

FAX: 314-994-3007

To file a complaint with the State Board of Professional Registration:

Attn: Don Eggen, Chief Investigator

Div. of Prof. Registration

3605 Missouri Boulevard

PO Box 1335

Jefferson City, MO 65102

FAX: 573-751-5649