Privacy Practices

Jennifer Patterson, LMFT #154647
32120 Temecula Pkwy #1034
Temecula, CA 92592
(619) 736-4711

EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS NOTICE: April 18th, 2025

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

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

Applies to Therapy Services Only
This Notice of Privacy Practices applies exclusively to therapy services provided by Jennifer Patterson, LMFT #154647. Coaching services are not clinical services, are not considered healthcare, and therefore are not covered by HIPAA. However, confidentiality is still taken seriously for all services. For more on coaching confidentiality, please refer to the Coaching Informed Consent document.

I. MY PLEDGE REGARDING HEALTH INFORMATION

I understand that health information about you and your health care is personal. I am committed to protecting health information about you. I create a record of the care and services you receive from me. I need this record to provide you with quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements.

This notice applies to all of the records of your care generated by this mental health care practice. This notice will tell you about the ways in which I may use and disclose health information about you. I also describe your rights to the health information I keep about you and describe certain obligations I have regarding the use and disclosure of your health information.

I am required by law to:

• Ensure that protected health information ("PHI") that identifies you is kept private

• Give you this notice of my legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your health information

• Follow the terms of the notice that is currently in effect

I may change the terms of this notice, and the changes will apply to all information I have about you. A current version of the notice will always be available upon request, in my office, and on my website.

II. HOW I MAY USE AND DISCLOSE HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU

For Treatment, Payment, or Health Care Operations

Federal privacy regulations allow me to use or disclose your PHI without your written authorization to carry out treatment, payment, or health care operations. Examples include:

• Consultation with another health provider regarding your care

• Coordination of treatment with a referring clinician

These disclosures are not limited by the "minimum necessary" rule as full access may be required to provide comprehensive care.

Lawsuits and Disputes

If you are involved in a lawsuit or legal proceeding, I may disclose health information if required by court order or subpoena, and I will notify you when possible.

III. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION

Psychotherapy Notes

I keep psychotherapy notes as defined under HIPAA. These notes require your explicit authorization for release unless:

• Used by me for treatment

• Used for training or supervision

• Required for defense in legal action initiated by you

• Required by law or federal investigation

• Needed to avert serious health threats or as required by a coroner

Marketing and Sale of PHI

I will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes or sell your PHI under any circumstances.

IV. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES DO NOT REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION

Your PHI may be disclosed without your authorization in the following situations:

• Required by Law: To comply with state or federal regulations

• Public Health Activities: Including mandatory reporting of abuse or threats to safety

• Health Oversight: Including audits, inspections, or licensure review

• Legal Proceedings: Court orders, subpoenas

• Law Enforcement: For investigations or crimes on premises

• Coroners and Medical Examiners

• Research Purposes

• Specialized Government Functions: Military, national security, or correctional institutions

• Workers' Compensation

• Appointment Reminders and Health Services: To contact you regarding appointments or services

V. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOU TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBJECT

PHI may be shared with individuals involved in your care or payment unless you object. Consent may also be retroactive in emergencies.

VI. YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR PHI

Right to Request Limits

You can request limits on how your PHI is used or disclosed. I am not required to agree but will do my best to honor reasonable requests.

Right to Restrict Disclosures for Self-Paid Services

You can request that PHI not be disclosed to health plans if the service was paid out-of-pocket in full.

Right to Confidential Communications

You may ask to be contacted in specific ways (e.g., only by email or at a certain phone number).

Right to Access Records

You have the right to access and obtain copies of your records, excluding psychotherapy notes. A reasonable fee may be charged. Requests are fulfilled within 30 days.

Right to Amend

If you believe your record is incorrect or incomplete, you can request an amendment. I may deny the request with an explanation.

Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You can request a list of non-treatment-related disclosures over the past 6 years. The first request is free; subsequent requests may incur a fee.

Right to a Paper or Electronic Copy of This Notice

You may request this notice in printed or electronic form at any time.

VII. COMPLAINTS

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

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints

• California Department of Consumer Affairs: www.dca.ca.gov

You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.

Website Version Notice: This version of the Notice of Privacy Practices is provided on the website for easy reference. Clients are encouraged to download a copy for their records or request a printed version during intake.

For questions or concerns about this notice, please contact Jennifer Patterson, LMFT #154647 directly at (619) 736-4711 or jennifer@therapywithjenniferpatterson.com.