Privacy Policy

Kelley Kramer Sieger, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelley Kramer Counseling

443-282-8883

Notice of Policies and Practices to Protect the Privacy of Your Health Information

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MENTAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

I. Uses and Disclosures for Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations

I may use or disclose your protected health information (PHI) for treatment, payment, and health care operations purposes as permitted under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). I will obtain your written authorization for uses or disclosures not otherwise permitted by law. In all cases, I will disclose only the minimum necessary information required to accomplish the intended purpose.

Protected Health Information (PHI) refers to information in your health record that could identify you.

Treatment includes providing, coordinating, or managing your health care and related services, including consultation with another health care provider.
Payment includes billing and reimbursement activities, including eligibility determinations and audits.
Health Care Operations include activities related to the operation of my practice, such as quality improvement, audits, administrative services, and care coordination.

Use applies to activities within my practice.
Disclosure applies to activities outside of my practice.

II. Uses and Disclosures Requiring Authorization

I will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing PHI for purposes outside of treatment, payment, or health care operations. An authorization is written permission that allows specific disclosures beyond general consent.

Examples of disclosures requiring authorization include disclosures to partners, spouses, or children (except in limited circumstances when they are involved in your care), disclosures for marketing purposes, or disclosures that constitute a sale of PHI. Any disclosure of psychotherapy notes, if maintained, requires your written authorization unless otherwise permitted or required by law.

You may revoke an authorization at any time in writing. Revocation does not apply to disclosures already made with your authorization.

III. Uses and Disclosures Requiring Neither Consent nor Authorization

I may use or disclose PHI without your consent or authorization as permitted or required by law, including the following circumstances:

  • Serious Threat to Health or Safety: If I believe there is a clear and substantial risk of imminent serious harm to you or another person, I may disclose relevant information to appropriate parties to reduce the risk of harm.
  • Workers’ Compensation: Disclosure may occur as required by law.
  • Felony Reporting: I may report a felony disclosed to me that has been or is being committed.
  • Health Oversight Activities: Including audits, investigations, licensure, or disciplinary actions.
  • Specific Government Functions: Including military, correctional, or national security activities.
  • Legal Proceedings: Disclosure may occur with written authorization, court order, or lawful subpoena. If a client files a complaint or lawsuit against me, I may disclose relevant information to defend myself.
  • Abuse, Neglect, and Domestic Violence: Mandatory reporting is required for suspected abuse or neglect of children, vulnerable adults, elderly individuals, or animals.
  • Coroners and Medical Examiners: For identification and determination of cause of death.
  • Law Enforcement: In response to lawful requests such as court orders or warrants.
  • Required by Law and Public Health Activities: Including disease prevention and reporting.
  • Information Not Personally Identifiable: De-identified information may be used or disclosed without restriction.

IV. Patient’s Rights and Duties

Your Rights:

  • Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of PHI
  • Request confidential communications by alternative means or locations
  • Inspect or obtain copies of your records, with limited exceptions
  • Request amendments to your records
  • Receive an accounting of certain disclosures
  • Obtain a paper copy of this notice upon request

My Duties:

  • Maintain the privacy of PHI
  • Provide this notice and comply with its terms
  • Notify you of breaches as required by law

V. Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with me or with:

Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201
📞 1-877-696-6775
https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/

No retaliation will occur for filing a complaint.

VI. Effective Date

This notice is effective as of December 1, 2023.

VII. Privacy and Security Officer

I serve as my own Privacy and Security Officer. My contact information is listed above.