NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
This notice describes how your medical information may be used and disclosed by Hope Valley Treatment Center and how you can access this information.
Effective from 2025:
This notice of privacy practices is issued by Hope Valley Treatment Center to inform you of your rights and our responsibilities under state and federal law. Hope Valley, a provider of substance use treatment services in North Carolina since 1968, is required to protect the confidentiality of your health records under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 42 U.S.C. § 1320d et seq., the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records (42 C.F.R. Part 2), and applicable North Carolina laws including N.C. General Statutes § 122C.
These protections are in place to encourage individuals to seek treatment without fear of criminal consequences, social stigma, or unauthorized disclosure. This notice outlines how Hope Valley Treatment Center may use or disclose your protected health information (PHI), when those disclosures are permitted or required, and what rights you have over your own medical records.
You have the right to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated. You may contact us directly at admissions@www.hopevalleytreatment.org. This notice may be updated periodically, and the most recent version will be available at www.www.hopevalleytreatment.org.
HOW WE MAY USE OR DISCLOSE YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION
We will provide you access to your health information unless a licensed medical professional determines that such access would cause harm. We will generally request your written permission before using or disclosing your information. However, there are specific situations under HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and NC law where we may do so without your consent:
TREATMENT PURPOSES
We may use your information to manage your care, including diagnosis, treatment planning, prescribing medications, and coordination with other providers such as physicians, nurses, therapists, or labs. In emergency situations, we may disclose your information to protect your health without waiting for authorization.
WITHIN OUR FACILITIES
Medical staff, administrative personnel, and licensed therapists involved in your treatment will have access to your records as part of delivering care.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
We may disclose information in compliance with a court order or other lawful mandates. Such disclosures may include:
- Crimes occurring on the premises of Hope Valley Treatment Center
- Medical emergencies stemming from criminal activity not on premises
- Identifying or locating suspects, fugitives, or missing persons
- When disclosure may prevent or reduce a serious and imminent threat to health or safety
RESEARCH PURPOSES
We may use or disclose health information for research with proper approvals and, where required, your consent. We will not share your identity unless allowed or required by law.
PUBLIC HEALTH PURPOSES
We may share information with public health authorities when legally required to:
- Report births or deaths
- Track medication side effects or adverse events
- Prevent or control disease, injury, or disability
- Respond to abuse, neglect, or domestic violence reports
- Notify persons at risk of communicable disease exposure
DECEASED PATIENTS
We may release limited health information to coroners, funeral directors, or organ donation agencies when consistent with applicable laws.
PARENTAL ACCESS
In line with federal and North Carolina law, we may release a minor’s medical information to parents or legal guardians unless doing so could cause harm to the minor.
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)
We may share health information with the FDA or its designees for purposes including product recalls, reporting adverse events, or tracking medication safety.
OTHER SITUATIONS TO NOTE
- We will not disclose your psychotherapy notes unless permitted or required by law or with your written authorization.
- We will not use your information for marketing purposes without your written permission.
- We will not confirm your presence at our facility without your consent, unless necessary in an emergency.
- We will not sell your health information.
YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION
We respect your rights and provide the following protections:
RIGHT TO INSPECT AND COPY
You may request to view or obtain a copy of your health information in paper or electronic format. A reasonable fee may apply. Some records, such as psychotherapy notes or materials related to legal actions, may not be accessible.
RIGHT TO REQUEST AMENDMENTS
If you believe your information is inaccurate or incomplete, you may request an amendment. While we will consider your request, we may decline to change clinical documentation created by healthcare professionals. We will, however, add your request to your record.
RIGHT TO REQUEST CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION
You may request that we communicate with you in a specific way (e.g., by mail only, at a specific phone number). We will accommodate reasonable requests.
RIGHT TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THIS NOTICE
You may request a printed or electronic copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices at any time by contacting info@www.hopevalleytreatment.org.
RIGHT TO REQUEST RESTRICTIONS
You have the right to request that we limit how your information is used or disclosed for treatment, payment, or operations. While we are not required to agree to all restrictions, we will honor requests that are mutually approved.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE
You may be asked to sign a form acknowledging that you received this notice. Your decision to sign or decline will not impact your access to treatment or care.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions about this notice or believe your privacy rights have been violated, please contact us:
Hope Valley Treatment Center
PO Box 467, Dobson, NC 27017
Men’s Division: 105 County Home Road, Dobson, NC 27017
Women’s Division: Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
Admissions Email: admissions@www.hopevalleytreatment.org
General Inquiries: info@www.hopevalleytreatment.org
Website: www.www.hopevalleytreatment.org