Privacy Policy

The purpose of the Privacy Policy is to inform residents of their privacy rights regarding their health information and identity.  This privacy policy applies to the Altus Rehab website and all products and services offered by the program.

The policy demonstrates how Altus Rehab may use and disclose protected health information about a resident. For example, if a resident were to fall ill and require hospitalization, or if someone were a potential threat to themself or others.

Define Protected Health Information from the Website:

Information gathered from the website includes filling out forms voluntarily, the means of connection to the website from the resident, and by accepting “cookies”.

When gathering this information, it may be used to communicate with residents directly on the website and meet resident needs more efficiently, which personalizes the experience.  The website is encrypted, meaning all information is secure and protected against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction of personal information, username, password, transaction information, and data stored.  Information is never sold, shared, or traded with anyone.

HIPAA:

Individual Identifiable Health Information (45 CFR 164.520), including the Confidentiality of Medical Records Act (California Civil Code § 56 et seq.) covered in this Privacy Policy describes how medical information about the resident may be used or disclosed and how the resident can access this information. The resident’s personal health record contains private and confidential information about them and their health. Both State and Federal laws protect the confidentiality of this information. Protected Health Information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) includes any individually identifiable health information. Protected Health Information relates to the resident’s past, present or future physical or mental health or condition. and any related health care services.

Examples:

Below are examples, but not limited to, when health information may be given to outside sources.

Resident Rights:

When it comes to resident health information, residents have specific rights.

1. To get an electronic or paper copy of their electronic health record.
   1. Upon request, staff may provide residents with a copy of their record.
   2. The request typically has a standard fee and provided within 30 days.

Electronic health records.

1. Electronic health record information about the resident that they see as incorrect or incomplete may be updated upon request.
   1. The request may be denied; however, staff will also provide the resident with a written denial and reason within 60 days.

Confidential communications.

1. Staff may provide residents with the requested electronic health records to the mailing address they provide, and staff may leave phone messages with the resident’s written approval.
   1. Only staff approved requests are accepted.

Staff may limit what is shared.

1. Residents can ask staff not to use or share certain health information for treatment, payment, or operations.
   1. Staff are not required to agree to the resident’s request, and staff may say “no” if it would affect the resident’s care.

1. If the resident pays for a service or health care item out-of-pocket and in full, the resident can ask staff not to share that information for the purpose of payment or operations with their health insurer.

1. Staff will say “yes” unless a law requires them to share that information.

Staff can provide the resident with a list of providers or affiliates the program may share health information with upon request, and the program keeps records for seven (7) years at a minimum.  Staff may be asked for health information during that time, and staff can inform the resident of who has been provided with their information and the reason why.

Obtaining a Privacy Policy copy:

Staff may provide the resident with a paper copy of this notice at any time, whether electronically, and additional copy, mail, or in-person.

Legal Guardian or Power of Attorney:

If approval has been given to a legal guardian or power of attorney, the resident may exercise their rights about disclosing their health information.  The role will be verified before any information is provided.

Filing a complaint:

Complaints can be filed if the resident feels their rights have been violated, and the resident may contact the program staff or the licensing agency, DHCS.

The resident can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by sending a letter to 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201, calling 1-877-696-6775, or visiting www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/.

There is no retaliation for filing a complaint.

Release of Information:

If the resident approves, staff may share information in the following cases:

• With the resident’s family, friends, spouses, or others involved in their care.

In an Emergency, staff may share the resident’s information:

• In a disaster relief situation
• If the resident is unconscious
• If there is a serious and/or imminent threat to health or safety
• If staff believe it is in the best interest of the resident

Staff do not share the resident’s information unless the resident signs a Release of Information:

• To market Altus Rehab
• To sell health information
• Regarding a request from others for psychotherapy notes

The following also requires a Release of Information signed:

• For treatment, including working with affiliates
• To follow up with the resident after treatment
• To provide feedback on clinical outcomes
• For billing/resident insurance

Breaking confidentiality may include:

• Reporting adverse reactions to medications
• Reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
• Preventing or reducing a serious threat to anyone’s health or safety
• To comply with the law, including DHCS, law enforcement, the court, a subpoena, or government requests
• A medical examiner or funeral director
• Responding to criminal activity on the property

Staff follow all state and federal laws regarding providing health information to the above.

Altus Rehab is responsible to:

• Maintain the privacy and security of the resident’s protected health information.
• Inform residents of a breach of confidentiality in a timely manner when confidentiality may have been compromised.
• Follow the duties and privacy practices written in this policy and provide the resident a copy upon request.

The resident’s information will not be shared outside of what has been outlined in the policy unless the resident provides an approval in writing. The resident may change their mind at any time, in writing, if they have previously given approval.

The Resident’s Acceptance of These Terms:

Utilizing this website signifies the resident’s agreement of this policy. If the resident does not agree, they do not have to use this website. When the resident continues to use this website, it is also considered acceptance of this policy, including when the policy is updated.

Questions and contacting Altus Rehab:

Questions about the Privacy Policy and the use of the resident’s Individually Identifiable Health information, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the resident’s Protected Health Information compliance, the practices of this site, and/or the resident’s dealings with this site can be answered at the following contact information:

Mailing Address:
Altus Rehab
18084 Rancho Street

Encino, CA 91316

Phone Number: 888-959-8894

Company Email: info@altusrehab.com

The Privacy Policy was created on June 21, 2023.