Patient Privacy Policy
USE AND DISCLOSURE OF PROTECTED 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.
Sweetwater Care is required by federal and state law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information (PHI) and to provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices. In the event that HIPAA-related laws change and impact your rights, we will provide you with a revised notice as soon as reasonably possible, either by mail, in person, or electronically when appropriate. You may request a copy of this notice at any time.
Sweetwater Care maintains a complete and accurate record of the care and services provided to all individuals we serve. We are committed to protecting the confidentiality, security, and integrity of all personal health information and to complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
Permitted Uses and Disclosures
As a client of Sweetwater Care, your health information may be used and disclosed for the purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations, including but not limited to:
Communication with your physician or care provider regarding your treatment
Submission of claims to your insurance provider, Medicare, Medicaid (AHCCCS), or other payers
Administrative functions including scheduling, billing, auditing, training, and quality improvement activities
Communication with other healthcare providers, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or specialists involved in your care
Coordination with caregivers, family members, or guardians involved in your home care plan
Compliance with licensing, accreditation, or oversight agency requirements
Providing appointment reminders or information about services that may benefit your health
Sweetwater Care may also disclose your PHI to:
Employees, affiliated staff, volunteers, or students under supervision
Assisted living facilities, group homes, or individual residences
Regulatory bodies such as AHCCCS or CMS
Accrediting organizations or agencies involved in quality oversight
Disclosures Without Your Authorization
In certain situations, Sweetwater Care may disclose your information without your written authorization, including:
Medical emergencies, when timely consent cannot be obtained
Barriers to communication, where consent is reasonably inferred from circumstances
Public health purposes, such as disease reporting or prevention
Required by law, such as court orders or subpoenas
Suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, where reporting is mandated
Health oversight activities, such as audits, inspections, or investigations
Legal proceedings, including judicial or administrative hearings
Law enforcement, in accordance with lawful processes
Coroners, funeral directors, and organ donation agencies
Research, under strict oversight and when approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Threats to health or safety, to prevent harm to an individual or the public
Military and national security, for official government functions
Workers’ Compensation claims
Your Rights Regarding Protected Health Information
You have the right to:
Receive a copy of this Privacy Notice, in print or electronically
Request restrictions on how we use or disclose your PHI (though we are not required to agree to them)
Request confidential communications via specific methods or addresses
Inspect and request a copy of your medical records (fees may apply)
Request amendments to your health information, with a written explanation
Receive an accounting of certain disclosures we have made of your PHI
Revoke any authorization you previously provided for non-standard disclosures
To exercise these rights or for more information, contact Sweetwater Care’s HIPAA Privacy Officer at the contact information below.
Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with Sweetwater Care or directly with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. There will be no retaliation for filing a complaint. Complaints should be submitted in writing and include details such as the date, nature of the concern, and individuals involved.
HIPAA Privacy Officer
Sweetwater Care
7501 N 16th Street, Ste. 100, Phoenix, AZ 85020
SMS/Text Messaging Policy
Sweetwater Care may send appointment reminders or service-related notifications via SMS/text message.
No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
All categories of data collection exclude SMS originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties under any circumstances.
Message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier plan.
