Notice of Privacy Practices

Notice of Privacy Practices

Seeds of Empowerment Mental Health Counseling PLLC
Queens, New York
(929) 639-0278
info@seedsofempowermentmhc.com

Effective Date: October 18, 2023

📌 Overview

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

I. Our Commitment to Your Privacy

We understand that your health information is personal, and we are committed to protecting your privacy.

We create records of the care and services you receive in order to provide you with quality care and to comply with legal requirements. This notice applies to all records created and maintained by Seeds of Empowerment Mental Health Counseling PLLC.

This notice explains:

  • How we may use and disclose your health information

  • Your rights regarding that information

  • Our responsibilities to protect your information

We are required by law to:

  • Maintain the privacy of your protected health information (“PHI”)

  • Provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices

  • Follow the terms of this notice currently in effect

  • Notify you of any changes to this notice

We reserve the right to update this notice at any time. Updates will apply to all information we maintain and will be available on our website or upon request.

II. How We May Use and Disclose Your Information

For Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations

We may use or disclose your PHI without your written authorization for purposes of treatment, payment, and health care operations.

For example:

  • Coordinating care with another provider

  • Consulting with other professionals to support your treatment

  • Managing administrative and operational functions

Because providers need complete information to provide quality care, disclosures for treatment are not limited to the minimum necessary standard.

Legal and Administrative Disclosures

We may disclose your health information when required by law, including:

  • Court orders or legal proceedings

  • Subpoenas or lawful requests

  • Situations involving legal disputes

We make reasonable efforts to notify you or obtain appropriate protections when required.

III. Uses and Disclosures That Require Your Authorization

We will obtain your written authorization for the following:

Psychotherapy Notes

Use or disclosure of psychotherapy notes requires your authorization, except in specific situations such as:

  • Treatment

  • Supervision and training

  • Legal defense

  • Compliance investigations

  • Required legal disclosures

  • Preventing serious threats to health or safety

Marketing

We do not use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes.

Sale of Information

We do not sell your PHI.

IV. Uses and Disclosures That Do Not Require Authorization

We may use or disclose your PHI without authorization in certain situations, including:

  • When required by federal or state law

  • Public health and safety concerns (including abuse reporting)

  • Health oversight activities (audits, investigations)

  • Judicial or administrative proceedings

  • Law enforcement purposes

  • Coroners or medical examiners

  • Research purposes

  • Government functions (e.g., military, national security)

  • Workers’ compensation claims

  • Appointment reminders and communication about services

V. Disclosures Where You Have the Opportunity to Object

Family, Friends, or Others Involved in Your Care

We may share relevant information with individuals involved in your care unless you object.

In emergency situations, consent may be obtained after the fact when appropriate.

VI. Your Rights Regarding Your Information

You have the right to:

Request Restrictions

Ask us to limit how your PHI is used or disclosed (we may not always be able to agree).

Restrict Disclosures to Insurance

If you pay out-of-pocket in full, you may request that information not be shared with your insurance provider.

Request Confidential Communication

Ask us to contact you in a specific way (phone, email, alternate address).

Access Your Records

Request copies of your records (excluding psychotherapy notes).
We will respond within 30 days and may charge a reasonable fee.

Request an Accounting of Disclosures

Receive a list of disclosures made in the past six years (excluding treatment/payment/operations).

Request Corrections

Ask us to correct or update your information.

Receive This Notice

Request a paper or electronic copy at any time.

Designate a Representative

Authorize someone to act on your behalf.

Revoke Authorization

Withdraw permission for disclosures at any time.

File a Complaint

If you believe your rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

Seeds of Empowerment Mental Health Counseling PLLC
or
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints
(877) 696-6775

We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

VII. Changes to This Notice

We may update this notice from time to time. The most current version will always be available on our website.

📄 Acknowledgment of Receipt

By using this website or engaging in services with Seeds of Empowerment Mental Health Counseling PLLC, you acknowledge that you have been provided access to this Notice of Privacy Practices.