At SavantCare, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our patients' health information in full compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This page outlines our dedication to safeguarding your personal information and explains how HIPAA applies to the services we provide at our mental health clinic in California.

What is HIPAA?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law enacted in 1996 to ensure the privacy and security of individuals' protected health information (PHI). HIPAA sets national standards for how healthcare providers, including mental health clinics like ours, handle sensitive patient information. It applies to both physical and electronic records and ensures that your health information is kept confidential and secure.

Our Commitment to HIPAA Compliance

At SavantCare, we take our responsibilities under HIPAA seriously. We have implemented comprehensive policies and procedures to protect your health information and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Our commitment includes:

• Safeguarding Your Information: We use secure systems and protocols to store and transmit your protected health information, whether in electronic or paper form.
• Staff Training: Our team members are trained regularly on HIPAA regulations to ensure they understand and follow best practices for maintaining patient privacy.
• Limited Access: Only authorized personnel who need access to your information to provide care or perform administrative functions can view your records.
• Secure Communication: We use encrypted communication methods when sharing protected health information electronically, ensuring it remains confidential.
• Patient Rights: We respect your rights under HIPAA, including your right to access your health records, request amendments, and receive an accounting of disclosures.

Your Rights Under HIPAA

HIPAA grants you specific rights regarding your protected health information. These include:

• Right to Access: You may request access to your health records and obtain copies of them.
• Right to Request Amendments: You can request corrections to your health information if you believe it is inaccurate.
• Right to Privacy: Your health information will not be shared without your consent, except as permitted or required by law (e.g., for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations).
• Right to Notification: In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will notify affected individuals in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Right to File a Complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our clinic or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

How We Protect Your Information

To ensure the security of your protected health information, SavantCare has implemented the following measures:

• Physical Safeguards: Our facilities are equipped with secure storage for physical records and restricted access to areas where sensitive information is stored.
• Technical Safeguards: We use encryption, secure servers, and other technologies to protect electronic health information from unauthorized access.
• Administrative Safeguards: We conduct regular risk assessments and maintain policies to prevent, detect, and respond to potential privacy or security issues.
• Business Associate Agreements: Any third-party vendors we work with who may access your health information are required to sign agreements ensuring HIPAA compliance.

Notice of Privacy Practices

As required by HIPAA, we provide all patients with a Notice of Privacy Practices. This document explains how we use and disclose your health information, your rights under HIPAA, and our legal obligations. You will receive a copy of this notice during your first visit, and it is also available upon request or on our website.

Contact Us

If you have questions about our HIPAA policies, your privacy rights, or how we protect your health information, please contact our Privacy Officer:

You may also contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights to learn more about your rights or to file a complaint.