NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES (NPP)

New Horizons Mental Health LLC

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Our Legal Duties

New Horizons Mental Health LLC (“the Practice”) is required by federal law to:

Maintain the privacy and security of your Protected Health Information (PHI)
Provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices
Follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect
Notify you without unreasonable delay if a breach of unsecured PHI occurs that may compromise your information

We reserve the right to change this Notice at any time. Any revised Notice will apply to all PHI we maintain and will be made available:

Upon request
At our office location
On our website: newhorizonsmh.com

What Is Protected Health Information (PHI)

Protected Health Information (PHI) includes individually identifiable information that relates to:

Your past, present, or future physical or mental health
The provision of healthcare services to you
Payment for healthcare services
PHI may exist in written, electronic, or oral form.

How We May Use And Disclose Your Information

We may use and disclose your PHI without your written authorization for the following purposes:

A. Treatment

We may use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare.

Examples include:

Communication with other healthcare providers involved in your care
Consultation with specialists
Prescribing medications and communicating with pharmacies

B. Payment

We may use your PHI to obtain payment for services.

Examples include:

Billing insurance companies
Verifying insurance eligibility and coverage
Collecting outstanding balances

C. Healthcare Operations

We may use your PHI for operational purposes, including:

Quality improvement and clinical review
Staff training and supervision
Compliance, auditing, and accreditation
Administrative and business functions

D. Appointment Reminders and Health-Related Communications

We may contact you using:

Phone
Text message
Email

For purposes including:

Appointment reminders
Follow-up instructions
Information about treatment alternatives or health-related services

E. Individuals Involved in Your Care

We may disclose relevant PHI to individuals involved in your care or payment for your care if:

You agree
You do not object when given the opportunity

It is in your best interest based on professional judgment

Uses And Disclosures Requiring Authorization

We will obtain your written authorization before:

Using or disclosing psychotherapy notes (except in limited circumstances permitted by law)
Using your information for marketing that requires authorization
Selling your PHI
Any use or disclosure not described in this Notice

You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing. Revocation will not apply to actions already taken.

Special Considerations For Psychiatric Practices

Psychotherapy Notes (Important Correction)

Psychotherapy notes are maintained separately from the medical record
They are given special protection under HIPAA
They are not included in the standard right of access
Release generally requires specific written authorization

Sensitive Information

Additional protections may apply depending on federal and state law for:

Substance use treatment records (42 CFR Part 2, when applicable)
HIV/AIDS-related information
Genetic information

Disclosures Without Your Authorization

We may disclose your PHI without authorization when permitted or required by law:

A. Required by Law

To comply with federal, state, or local laws

B. Public Health Activities

Preventing or controlling disease
Reporting adverse events or reactions

C. Abuse or Neglect Reporting

Suspected child abuse or neglect
Elder or vulnerable adult abuse

D. Serious Threat to Health or Safety

To prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to you or others

E. Health Oversight Activities

For audits, investigations, inspections, and licensure

F. Legal Proceedings

In response to court orders, subpoenas, or lawful processes

G. Law Enforcement

As required by law or in response to legal requests

H. Workers’ Compensation

As authorized by law

Your Rights Regarding Your PHI

You have the following rights:

1. Right of Access

You may inspect or obtain a copy of your PHI.

Requests must be submitted in writing
We will respond within 30 days (or sooner if required by state law)
Reasonable, cost-based fees may apply

2. Right to Request Amendment

You may request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.

3. Right to Request Restrictions

You may request limits on certain uses or disclosures.

Note: We are not required to agree to all requests.

4. Right to Confidential Communications

You may request communication by alternative means or locations.

5. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of certain disclosures made outside treatment, payment, and operations.

6. Right to a Copy of This Notice

You may request a copy at any time.

7. Right to File a Complaint

You may file a complaint without fear of retaliation.

You may also file a complaint with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201 (202) 619-0257

Security Of Your Information

We implement safeguards to protect your PHI, including:

Administrative safeguards (policies, staff training)
Physical safeguards (secure facilities)
Technical safeguards (encryption, access controls)

However, no system is completely secure.

Electronic Communication Risks

Electronic communication (email, text, portal messaging) carries risks including:

Unauthorized access
Mis-delivery
Data interception

By choosing to communicate electronically, you acknowledge these risks.

Changes To This Notice

We reserve the right to modify this Notice. Changes will be:

Posted in the office
Available upon request

Posted on our website

Contact Information

Privacy Officer: Tiffany Amos
Phone: 203-285-6803
Email: contact@newhorizonsmh.com Address: 515Centerpoint Drive Suite # 406 Middletown, CT 06457