Effective Date: 10/1/2024
At D & G Guest Home, we are dedicated to protecting the privacy and security of the personal health information (PHI) of our residents, as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). This statement outlines our commitment to maintaining compliance with both state and federal laws governing the confidentiality of residents’ health information.
1. What is HIPAA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that sets national standards for the protection of individuals’ medical records and other personal health information. HIPAA applies to health care providers, health plans, and organizations that process health information.
Under HIPAA, residents have the right to control how their personal health information is used and disclosed. D & G Guest Home is committed to ensuring that these rights are respected and upheld.
2. Protected Health Information (PHI)
Protected Health Information (PHI) includes any individually identifiable health information, such as:
- Medical history, diagnosis, and treatment
- Health conditions and care plans
- Billing and payment information
- Any other information that could be used to identify a resident and relates to their physical or mental health
3. How We Protect Resident Health Information
D & G Guest Home implements strict policies and procedures to protect the privacy and security of PHI. We take reasonable and appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure that residents’ health information is secure and confidential. These measures include, but are not limited to:
- Access Controls: Limiting access to PHI to authorized personnel who need the information to provide care or carry out administrative duties.
- Data Encryption: Ensuring that electronic health information is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
- Employee Training: Training all staff members on the importance of protecting health information and the specific requirements of HIPAA.
- Secure Communication: Using secure methods for transmitting health information, including encrypted email, secure portals, and physical security for paper records.
4. Resident Rights Under HIPAA
As a resident of D & G Guest Home, you have the following rights regarding your health information:
- Right to Access: You have the right to access and obtain a copy of your medical records and other health information we maintain. Requests for access can be made by contacting our administrative team.
- Right to Amend: If you believe your health information is incorrect or incomplete, you have the right to request that we correct or amend your records.
- Right to Restrict Disclosure: You have the right to request restrictions on how we use or disclose your PHI for certain purposes, such as treatment or payment.
- Right to Confidential Communications: You have the right to request that we communicate with you in a specific way or at a certain location to ensure confidentiality.
- Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your PHI.
- Right to File a Complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with us or directly with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
5. Permitted Uses and Disclosures of PHI
Under HIPAA, we are allowed to use and disclose PHI without your permission for specific purposes, including:
- Treatment: Sharing PHI with health care providers involved in your care, such as physicians, pharmacists, and hospitals.
- Payment: Using PHI to bill and receive payment for services provided, such as submitting claims to Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance plans.
- Health Care Operations: Using PHI for internal operations, such as quality assessment, training, compliance audits, and care coordination.
- Required by Law: Disclosing PHI when required by federal, state, or local law, such as reporting cases of abuse or responding to a court order.
6. Our Responsibilities
As required by law, D & G Guest Home is responsible for:
- Maintaining the privacy of residents’ PHI.
- Providing this HIPAA Compliance Statement to explain our privacy practices.
- Notifying residents in the event of a breach of unsecured PHI.
- Abiding by the terms outlined in this HIPAA Compliance Statement.
We will not use or disclose PHI in ways that are not covered by this notice unless you give us written permission. You may revoke your permission at any time, except in cases where we have already acted on your authorization.
7. Changes to This HIPAA Compliance Statement
We reserve the right to change or update this HIPAA Compliance Statement at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and the effective date will be updated. We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.
8. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this HIPAA Compliance Statement or if you would like to exercise your rights under HIPAA, please contact us:
D & G Guest Home
Address: 2150 Washington St., Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Phone: 619-467-7032
Email: [email protected]
Additionally, if you wish to file a complaint regarding your privacy rights, you may contact the Office for Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
Toll Free Call Center: 1-877-696-6775