Hope Valley Treatment Center
PO Box 467, Dobson, NC 27017
info@www.hopevalleytreatment.org | 336-386-8511
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully.
Hope Valley Treatment Center is committed to protecting your personal health information. We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI) and to inform you about our legal duties and practices regarding the use and disclosure of this information.
Our Legal Duty
Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records (42 CFR Part 2), and applicable North Carolina laws, we are required to maintain the privacy of your medical records and provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices. We must follow the terms of this notice currently in effect and notify you in the event of a breach involving your unsecured PHI.
Purpose
Hope Valley Treatment Center is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our clients’ health information. This HIPAA Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, protect, and disclose protected health information (PHI) in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), its implementing regulations, and applicable state and federal laws.
Scope
This policy applies to all Hope Valley staff, contractors, business associates, volunteers, and interns who may access, use, or disclose PHI as part of providing care, operations, or administrative services.
Definition of Protected Health Information (PHI)
PHI includes any information that identifies an individual and relates to their past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, treatment, or payment for health services. This includes, but is not limited to, names, addresses, birth dates, medical records, diagnoses, and insurance information.
Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Records
Federal regulations (42 CFR Part 2) provide extra protections for records identifying you as a patient in a substance use disorder treatment program. These records are confidential and cannot be disclosed without your written consent unless permitted by law. Disclosures may occur:
- Based on a valid court order that complies with 42 CFR Part 2
- In medical emergencies
- For research, audit, or evaluation purposes
- If required for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect
A general authorization for the release of medical information is not sufficient for disclosure of SUD records. You must provide a specific consent form.
Our Responsibilities Under HIPAA
- Maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PHI
- Provide clients with notice of our privacy practices
- Secure written authorization before disclosing PHI for purposes not related to treatment, payment, or healthcare operations
- Provide clients access to their health records and the ability to request amendments or restrictions
- Train all staff on HIPAA compliance
- Respond to client complaints regarding privacy practices
We reserve the right to change our privacy practices and update this notice accordingly. Revisions will be posted on our website and made available upon request.
Permitted Uses and Disclosures of PHI
We may use or disclose PHI without written authorization for the following purposes:
- Treatment: To coordinate care with doctors, therapists, or other providers involved in your treatment.
- Payment: To obtain payment for services provided, including billing insurance companies.
- Healthcare Operations: For internal quality assurance, staff training, licensing, audits, and compliance monitoring.
Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Written Authorization
We will obtain your written consent before:
- Sharing your information for marketing or fundraising purposes
- Selling your health information
- Disclosing your psychotherapy notes (except where legally permitted)
- Releasing information to friends, family, or other parties not directly involved in your care
You have the right to revoke your authorization at any time, in writing, except to the extent we have already taken action.
Client Rights Under HIPAA
Clients of Hope Valley Treatment Center have the right to:
- Receive a copy of this privacy policy
- Access their health records upon request
- Request amendments to their records
- Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
- Request confidential communications (e.g., via a specific phone or mailing address)
- Receive an accounting of disclosures not related to treatment, payment, or operations
- File a complaint without fear of retaliation
Questions and Complaints
If you have any questions or believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
To Contact Us:
Hope Valley Treatment Center
PO Box 467, Dobson, NC 27017
Email: info@www.hopevalleytreatment.org
Phone: 336-386-8511
There will be no retaliation for filing a complaint.