PRIVACY POLICY

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

Protecting the security and privacy of my client's Protected Health Information is very important to me. This document provides information regarding the steps taken to keep your information safe and confidential.

Designated Privacy and Security Officer for this Practice

Susan Reinke, LPC-S is the designated Security Officer for my practice.

Susan Reinke, LPC-S is the designated Privacy Officer for my practice.

All privacy and security questions, requests, and concerns should be directed to me and I will be responsible for handling them.

PRIVACY & SECURITY POLICIES

All considerable measures have been taken to ensure the confidentiality of emails & texts sent and received. Please be aware, however, of the risks taken when sharing personal or confidential information this way.

Some risks you take when sending emails or texts include:

Mis-delivery of email to an incorrectly typed address. Email accounts can be "hacked", giving a 3rd party access to email content and addresses.

Email providers (i.e. Gmail, Comcast, Yahoo) keep a copy of each email on their servers, where it might be accessible to employees, etc.

You have the right to opt-out of emailing during the Counseling Intake.

Susan Reinke's practice takes certain precautions to help decrease the likelihood that your Protected Health Information is compromised.

Cell Phones contain password protection.

When electronic devices, such as cell phones, computers, laptops, etc. are retired, they are sanitized of information, before recycling.

Susan uses G Suite Workspace for an online platform and emails. This service is HIPAA compliant with a BAA.

If there are any complaints filed against Susan, this will be recorded on our Complaints Form.

If there is a breach regarding the safety of your Protected Health Information, Susan will contact you to let you know the extent of the breach and what is being done to contain the situation.

Susan does not use any of your Protected Health Information for marketing purposes and does not sell any information to outside entities.

Susan follows all Ethical Codes and State Laws, which help in securing your information.

Susan has received training concerning HIPAA laws and compliances and will continue to attend training as required by law.

All HIPAA documentation will be kept on file for a minimum of 6 years.

Storage of Client Files:

Susan stores client files under lock and key for 5 years after the last session.

In the event something happens to Susan, a designated counselor, listed in my Counseling Disclosure, would take possession of these files.

They will secure them under the same guidelines, protecting confidentiality.

Once a file is ready to be destroyed, it is shredded.

Again, the protection of your Protected Health Information is important to me. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments about our Privacy Policy. There is more information regarding HIPPA on my website and included in this packet.

Thank you!

Susan Reinke , MA, LPC-S