TechForce Counseling & Community Services
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 08/2023
I. PurposeTechForce Counseling & Community Services Inc. (TFCCS) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our clients’ health information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This Privacy Policy outlines our practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) and explains our clients’ rights concerning their PHI.
II. Scope
This policy applies to all TFCCS employees, volunteers, contractors, and business associates who have access to PHI in any form (electronic, paper, or oral).
III. Uses and Disclosures of PHI
TFCCS may use and disclose PHI in the following circumstances:
Treatment: We may use and share PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage healthcare services, including consultations and referrals.
Payment: We may use and disclose PHI to obtain reimbursement for services provided, including billing and claims management.
Healthcare Operations: We may use PHI for operational purposes such as quality assessment, training, accreditation, compliance monitoring, and administrative functions.
Required by Law: We will disclose PHI when required by federal, state, or local laws, including reporting abuse, neglect, or public health concerns.
Law Enforcement & Legal Proceedings: We may disclose PHI in response to legal requests such as subpoenas, court orders, or law enforcement investigations.
Public Health and Safety: We may share PHI to prevent or control disease, report adverse events, or protect the safety of individuals or the community.
Research: We may use PHI for research purposes, subject to approval by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or privacy board, when appropriate.
Business Associates: TFCCS may share PHI with third-party vendors (business associates) who perform services on our behalf, provided they agree to safeguard PHI in compliance with HIPAA.
Other Disclosures: We will obtain written authorization before using or disclosing PHI for purposes not covered in this policy. Clients may revoke authorizations at any time in writing.
IV. Client Rights Regarding PHI
Clients have the following rights concerning their PHI:
Access to Records: Clients may request a copy of their PHI records. TFCCS will provide copies within a reasonable timeframe, subject to applicable fees.
Amendments: Clients may request corrections to their PHI if they believe it is incorrect or incomplete.
Restrictions: Clients may request limitations on how their PHI is used or disclosed. TFCCS is not required to agree to all requests but will accommodate reasonable ones when possible.
Confidential Communications: Clients may request alternative means of communication (e.g., mail instead of phone calls) to protect their privacy.
Accounting of Disclosures: Clients may request a list of instances where TFCCS disclosed PHI for reasons other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
Complaints: Clients may file a complaint if they believe their privacy rights have been violated. Complaints can be submitted to TFCCS or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) without fear of retaliation.
V. Safeguards for PHI
TFCCS implements the following safeguards to protect PHI:
Physical security measures (e.g., locked file cabinets, restricted office access)
Technical safeguards (e.g., encryption, secure passwords, firewalls)
Administrative policies (e.g., staff training, confidentiality agreements, HIPAA compliance audits)
VI. Changes to This Policy
TFCCS reserves the right to update this policy at any time. Clients will be notified of significant changes through appropriate communication channels.
VII. Contact Information
For questions, concerns, or to exercise HIPAA rights, clients may contact:
TechForce Counseling & Community Services Inc. (TFCCS)
2417 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 111
Wilmington, DE 19805
Phone: (877) 908-9355
Email: Info@TechForceCounseling.org
By receiving services from TFCCS, clients acknowledge their understanding of this HIPAA Privacy Policy. TechForce Counseling & Community Services Inc. (TFCCS) HIPAA Privacy Policy