Notice of Privacy Practices

Our Duties

Discover Counseling is required by law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information (PHI), to provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your PHI, and to abide by the terms of this notice.

We reserve the right to change our privacy practices and the terms of this notice at any time. Changes will apply to health information we already hold as well as information we receive in the future. When we make a significant change, we will provide you with a revised notice.

How We Use and Disclose Your Health Information

We use and disclose your health information for the following purposes without requiring your authorization:

• Treatment. To provide, coordinate, or manage your mental health care. For example, sharing information with another provider involved in your care, with your permission.
• Payment. To obtain reimbursement for services from your insurance company or health plan, including verifying coverage and submitting claims.
• Healthcare Operations. For internal administrative purposes such as quality improvement, staff training, and practice management.
• As Required by Law. When required by federal, state, or local law, including court orders, subpoenas, or mandatory reporting requirements.
• Public Health Activities. To report communicable diseases, adverse events, or other public health matters as required by law.
• Abuse or Neglect. To report suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or vulnerable adult abuse to the appropriate authorities.
• Serious Threats to Health or Safety. To prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to you or others when necessary.
• Supervision. Graduate interns and registered associates at Discover Counseling receive clinical supervision. Supervisors may access your records as part of the supervisory process. You will be informed if your therapist is receiving supervision.

All other uses and disclosures require your written authorization. You may revoke an authorization at any time in writing, except where we have already taken action based on it.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

You have the following rights with respect to your protected health information:

• Right to Access. You may request a copy of your health information. We will provide access within 30 days of your request. A reasonable fee may apply for copying.
• Right to Amend. You may request that we correct or add to your health information if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete. We may deny your request under certain circumstances.
• Right to an Accounting of Disclosures. You may request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your health information in the past six years.
• Right to Request Restrictions. You may ask us to restrict how we use or disclose your health information. We are not required to agree to all restrictions, but we will comply with any restriction we do agree to.
• Right to Confidential Communications. You may request that we communicate with you in a specific way or at a specific location (e.g., call your cell phone rather than your home phone).
• Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice. You may request a paper copy of this notice at any time, even if you have received it electronically.
• Right to Notification of a Breach. You have the right to be notified if a breach of your unsecured health information occurs.

To exercise any of these rights, please submit a written request to our office. Contact information is below.

How to File a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

To file a complaint with HHS:
Visit www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints or call 1-800-368-1019.

You also have the right to file a complaint with the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists if you have concerns about a therapist’s conduct.

Contact Us

For questions about this notice or to exercise your rights, please contact:

Discover Counseling
7320 SW Hunziker St., Suite 204
Tigard, OR 97223
(971) 222-8166
contact@discovercounseling.com

This notice is provided in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the HITECH Act. Oregon state law may provide additional privacy protections beyond those required by federal law.