This web page is a plain-language overview. It does not replace A&A’s current formal Notice of Privacy Practices, consent forms, authorizations, payer notices, or rights under applicable law. The formal notice provided by the agency controls.
When federal or state health-privacy requirements apply, A&A is expected to protect the privacy and security of health information, provide the notices required by law, and follow the notice currently in effect.
How health information may be used or disclosed
Subject to applicable law and the formal notice, health information may be used or disclosed for treatment, payment, and health care operations. Examples can include coordinating with clinicians, documenting services, billing a payer, reviewing quality, training staff, or operating the agency.
Law may also permit or require certain disclosures for public health, health oversight, reporting abuse or neglect, workers’ compensation, law enforcement, judicial proceedings, preventing a serious threat, or other specifically authorized purposes. The formal notice explains the limits and conditions.
Uses that generally require written permission
Uses or disclosures not otherwise permitted by law or the formal notice generally require a valid written authorization. When the law allows, an authorization can usually be revoked in writing for future uses, except to the extent action has already been taken in reliance on it.
Your health-information rights
- Ask to inspect or receive a copy of designated health records, subject to lawful limits and procedures.
- Ask to correct or amend information you believe is incomplete or inaccurate.
- Ask for an accounting of certain disclosures.
- Request restrictions, understanding that not every request must be accepted.
- Request confidential communication at an alternative address or by another reasonable method.
- Receive a paper copy of the current formal notice.
- Be notified following a breach of unsecured protected health information when required by law.
Personal representatives and caregivers
A legally authorized personal representative may exercise rights on another person’s behalf, subject to identity, authority, safety, and legal requirements. A&A may ask for documentation before releasing information or discussing care.
Questions, requests, and complaints
Call 216-230-9380 to request the current formal notice, ask how to exercise a privacy right, or raise a concern. A&A will not retaliate against a person for making a good-faith privacy complaint or exercising a right.
Federal HIPAA information and complaint instructions are available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.
Website messages are different
The public contact form and general email are not secure clinical channels. Review the Website Privacy Notice and call before sending protected information.
