Client’s Rights

You have certain rights as a client in therapy. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was created to protect client’s rights. This document explains some of a client’s rights granted by HIPAA.

You have the right to request where I contact you

As your provider, I need at least one reliable method of communication with you.

You must provide some way I can contact you.
You can choose whether I call your home, cell or work phone number.
You can request that I don’t contact you by some method. (Ex. You can ask me to not send text message or email reminders.)

You have a right to release your medical records

You can have your medical records released to anyone you choose. Clients often request that records are released to their doctor or psychiatrist.

You need to sign a written authorization to release records to anyone other than yourself.
I will provide a form for written authorization at your request.
You have the right to revoke a release at any time but you need to do so in writing.
Revoking a release is not valid for previously released records.

You have the right to inspect and copy your medical records

You have the right to request to inspect and copy your records.
I may deny this request if viewing the records could be harmful to you.
I may provide a portion of your records if viewing the entire record could be harmful to you.
I can charge a reasonable fee for copying and mailing the records.

You have the right to add information or amend your medical records

You may request to amend your medical records.
Your amendment request must be in writing.
I will notify you of my decision in 10 days.
Your request may be denied.
If your request is denied, you have the right to file a disagreement statement.
The disagreement statement and a response will be filed in the record.

You have the right to an accounting of disclosures

For a six-year period, beginning with date I came in to compliance with HIPAA (January 10, 2013), you have the right to an accounting of any disclosures of your records.

An accounting of disclosures does not have to include:

Disclosures for treatment, payment or healthcare operations.
Disclosures made for a signed release.
Disclosures made to you.
Disclosures for national security or law enforcement.

You have the right to request restrictions on the uses and disclosures of your healthcare information

Your request must be in writing.
I don’t have to agree to your request.
I won’t agree to your request when I have a legal right or an obligation to use or disclose your healthcare information.

You have the right to complain

Please tell me of your complaint first. I may be unaware that you have a complaint and may be able to help you resolve it.
I cannot retaliate for any complaints you make.
If you are not satisfied with my attempt to resolve your complaint, you have the right to complain.
You can complain to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services at:

Centralized Case Management Operations
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.,
Room 509F HHH Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20201

You have the right to request changes in policy

You may request that I change my policies in regard to a complaint you have.

If you do not understand any of your rights as explained here, don’t hesitate to ask me about them. I would be happy to explain your rights in more detail. You can learn more about your rights on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website. I also have another webpage where you can learn more about your HIPAA rights.