PRIVACY NOTICE
Effective Date: December 1, 2024
At BAMSI, we are committed to protecting your privacy. This Notice explains how we use and protect your personal health information, your rights under the law, and how you can access and control that information. It also explains how we collect and use data from individuals visiting our website.
Who This Notice Applies To
This Privacy Notice applies to everyone who receives services from BAMSI, including those receiving substance use disorder and behavioral health services and those who visit our website.
What We Collect
- Health Information. We collect your personal health information (PHI), such as your name, address, date of birth, medical history, and any treatments or services you receive. This information helps us provide you with quality care and support.
- Website Data. When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, and website activity. This data improves our website and provides a better user experience. We also use cookies to personalize content and track usage patterns.
Our Duties
The law requires us to protect your PHI under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and 42 CFR Part 2, which provides additional privacy protections for individuals receiving substance use disorder treatment. We will only share your information when necessary for your care, payment, or legal requirements. If we make any changes to this Privacy Notice, we will provide you with an updated version.
Your Rights
- Confidential Communications. You have the right to ask us to communicate with you at a different address (for example, if you prefer, we will not send mail to your home). Just let us know in writing, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
- Right to Inspect and Copy Your Health Information. You can view and get a copy of your health records. If you request this, we will provide you with the information unless we have specific legal reasons to deny your request (such as records related to psychotherapy). You may be asked to pay for copying and mailing.
- Right to Request a Change to Your Health Information
- If you believe your health information needs to be corrected, you can ask us to do so. If we agree, we will update the records. We will let you know in writing if we disagree and explain why.
- Right to Know Who Your Information Has Been Shared With. You can ask us for a list of who we’ve shared your health information with. It is called an “accounting of disclosures.” You may request this once a year at no cost.
- Right to Be Notified of Breaches. We will notify you immediately if your health information is accessed or shared without your permission. If the risk is low, we may not have to advise you, but we will inform you if your sensitive data is compromised.
- Website Data Rights. If you prefer, you can disable cookies in your browser settings. However, this may limit certain website features. You can also request that we remove any personal data you have provided via our website by contacting us using the information below.
How We Use Your Health Information
- Routine Uses. We may use your health information for routine care, payment, and healthcare operations such as billing or quality reviews. For example, we may use your records to coordinate care with your doctors or to process insurance claims.
- Legal Disclosures. Sometimes, we are legally required to share your health information, such as for worker’s compensation or to report abuse. Other times, we may be required to disclose information to government agencies or law enforcement.
- Sharing with Other Providers. We may share your information with other organizations that help us provide you with services, such as labs or hospitals. However, they must protect your information just like we do.
- Special Circumstances. In certain situations, we may need to share your information for safety or legal reasons or to provide emergency care. We may also contact you for fundraising purposes, but you can opt-out if you don’t wish to participate.
Substance Use Disorder & Behavioral Health Protections
Suppose you receive services related to substance use disorder or behavioral health. In that case, your privacy rights are even stronger under 42 CFR Part 2. These rules are stricter than HIPAA and provide extra protection to your substance use disorder treatment records. We follow these additional protections to keep your sensitive information private, including restrictions on sharing your information with law enforcement, family members, or anyone outside of your treatment team without your written consent.
Website Privacy
When you visit our website, we collect certain information about your visit, such as your IP address, the type of device you are using, and browsing activity. We use this information to improve the functionality and content of our site. We also use cookies and small data files stored on your device to enhance your experience and analyze traffic patterns. You can control cookie settings via your browser but disabling them may affect your ability to use some website features.
Your Choices
- Opting Out of Fundraising: If we contact you for donations, you can opt out of such communications.
- Revoking Consent: You can withdraw consent at any time for most disclosures. For example, you can restrict sharing certain information with insurance providers if you pay for the service yourself.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy practices, or if you feel your privacy rights have been violated, please get in touch with our Privacy Officer at:
Compliance and Privacy Office
BAMSI
10 Christy’s Drive
Brockton, MA 02301
Phone: (508) 580-8700
You may also contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you think your privacy rights have been violated.