Book Online
New Patients
Notice of Privacy Practices
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
Our Duty to Safeguard Your Protected Health Information
We understand that medical information about you is personal and confidential. We are committed to protecting that information. Caring Hearts Clinic is required by law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information and to provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices. We are required to abide by the terms of this Notice, and we reserve the right to change the terms at any time. If revisions are made, the new Notice will apply to all protected health information we maintain. A revised Notice will be posted online and available upon request in both paper and electronic form. We are also required by law to notify you if a breach of your protected health information occurs.
In general, when we release your personal information, we must release only the information needed to achieve the purpose of the disclosure. However, if you sign an authorization form, request the information yourself, authorize another healthcare provider for treatment, or if disclosure is required by law, your designated information may be released. We will not use or sell your personal information for marketing purposes without your written authorization.
How We May Use and Disclose Your Protected Health Information
We may use or disclose your protected health information without your written authorization when it is related to treatment, payment, or health care operations.
For treatment: We may use or disclose your medical information to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare personnel involved in your care. For example, your doctor may need to review your medical history to determine the best treatment or to share necessary information with your pharmacist to ensure your prescriptions are appropriate.
For payment: We may use and disclose your medical information to bill and collect payment for services. For example, in order for your insurance company to pay for your treatment, we must submit a claim that includes your name, diagnoses, and services provided.
For healthcare operations: We may use your medical information to evaluate the quality of our services, train staff, or manage business operations. We may also use your information to send appointment reminders or provide information about treatment alternatives or health-related benefits.
We may also use and disclose your information for other purposes allowed by federal and state law. These may include disclosures to public health authorities to report disease, injury, births, or deaths; disclosures to law enforcement in response to a valid court order or to prevent a serious threat to health or safety; disclosures to medical examiners, coroners, or funeral directors; disclosures for organ donation purposes; disclosures for health oversight activities; disclosures in judicial or administrative proceedings; disclosures relating to worker’s compensation; and disclosures to family members or friends involved in your care, unless you object. We may also provide information for disaster relief efforts.
Other uses may include participation in health information exchanges that make your records electronically available to other healthcare providers involved in your care, as well as electronic patient chart sharing with authorized providers.
Certain uses of your information require your written authorization. These include marketing, the sale of your information, and the release of psychotherapy notes. You may revoke any such authorization in writing at any time.
Your Rights Regarding Your Medical Information
You have several rights with respect to your protected health information.
You have the right to request restrictions on how we use or disclose your information. Requests must be made in writing to our Privacy Officer. We are not always required to agree to a requested restriction, but if we do, we will honor it. You also have the right to request that we communicate with you at an alternative address or by alternative means.
You have the right to access, inspect, and obtain copies of your medical information, with some exceptions such as psychotherapy notes. Requests must be made in writing. We may charge a reasonable fee for copies. If we deny access, we will provide reasons for the denial and information about your rights to have the decision reviewed.
You have the right to request an amendment to your medical records if you believe they are incorrect or incomplete. Requests must be made in writing and must state why the amendment is needed. If we deny your request, we will explain why and inform you of your right to submit a statement of disagreement.
You have the right to request an accounting of certain disclosures of your medical information for the previous six years, except for disclosures made for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, or disclosures made with your authorization.
You have the right to receive a paper copy of this Notice at any time, even if you have received an electronic copy.
Our Responsibilities
Caring Hearts Clinic is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information. We will promptly notify you if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information. We must follow the duties and privacy practices described in this Notice and provide you with a copy upon request. We will not use or share your information in ways not described in this Notice unless you authorize us in writing. You may revoke that authorization at any time in writing.
Questions and Complaints
If you have questions about this Notice or our privacy practices, or if you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may contact our Privacy Officer:
Privacy Officer
Caring Hearts Clinic
5328 Trouble Creek Rd
New Port Richey, FL 34652
Phone: (813) 252-1124
You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Effective Date
This Notice of Privacy Practices was effective on October 27, 2020, and revised on September 9, 2025.