Notice of Privacy Practices
How we use and protect your health information
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
About This Notice
This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how Texas Service Animals may use and disclose your protected health information (PHI) to carry out treatment, payment, or health care operations, and for other purposes that are permitted or required by law.
Protected health information is information about you, including demographic information, that may identify you and that relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, the provision of health care to you, or payment for health care services.
Our Commitment
We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information, provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices, and notify you in the event of a breach of your unsecured health information.
How We May Use and Disclose Your Information
The following categories describe the ways we may use and disclose your protected health information without your specific written authorization:
Treatment
We may use your PHI to provide you with mental health services and ESA/PSA evaluations. We may share information with licensed professionals involved in your care.
Payment
We may use your PHI to bill and collect payment for services. This includes contacting your insurance company if applicable.
Healthcare Operations
We may use your PHI to operate our business, including quality assessment, staff training, and administrative purposes.
Appointment Reminders
We may contact you to remind you of appointments or follow-ups related to your ESA evaluation.
Uses Requiring Your Written Authorization
We will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing your PHI for purposes other than those described in this notice. You may revoke your authorization at any time, in writing, except to the extent we have already relied on it.
Authorization is Required For:
- Marketing: Using your PHI for marketing purposes
- Sale of PHI: Any disclosure that constitutes a sale of your health information
- Psychotherapy Notes: Disclosure of detailed psychotherapy notes (if applicable)
- Third Party Requests: Sharing information with employers, landlords, or other parties
Important Note for ESA Letters
Your ESA letter itself does not contain detailed health information. It only confirms that you have a disability-related need for an emotional support animal. Your specific diagnosis and treatment details are never shared with landlords or housing providers.
Uses Not Requiring Authorization
In certain circumstances, we may use or disclose your PHI without your authorization as permitted or required by law:
- As Required by Law: When required by federal, state, or local law
- Public Health Activities: Reporting diseases or injuries as required
- Health Oversight: For audits, investigations, or inspections
- Legal Proceedings: In response to a court order or subpoena
- Law Enforcement: For specific law enforcement purposes
- Threat Prevention: To prevent a serious threat to health or safety
- Workers' Compensation: For work-related illness or injury claims
- Deceased Individuals: To coroners or funeral directors
Your Rights Regarding Your PHI
You have the following rights regarding your protected health information:
Right to Access
Request and obtain a copy of your health records
Right to Amend
Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
Right to Accounting
Receive a list of disclosures we have made of your PHI
Right to Restrict
Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
Right to Confidential Communications
Request how and where we contact you
Right to Paper Copy
Obtain a paper copy of this notice upon request
For detailed information about exercising these rights, please visit our Patient Rights page.
Our Duties
We are required by law to:
- Maintain the privacy of your protected health information
- Provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices
- Abide by the terms of this notice currently in effect
- Notify you in the event of a breach of your unsecured PHI
- Obtain your written authorization before using your PHI for marketing or selling your information
Changes to This Notice
We reserve the right to change the terms of this notice at any time. Any changes will apply to all information we already have about you as well as any information we receive in the future. The revised notice will be:
- Posted on our website
- Available upon request at our office
- Effective for all PHI we maintain
Contact Information
If you have questions about this notice or wish to exercise your rights, please contact:
File a Complaint
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated:
- Contact our Privacy Officer
- File with HHS Office for Civil Rights
