HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices & Website Privacy Policy

1. Our Commitment to Your Health Privacy

At 24-7 Shalom Psychiatry PLLC, we understand that your medical and psychiatric history is deeply personal. We are legally required by federal law (HIPAA, 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164) and Texas State Law (Texas Medical Records Privacy Act) to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (PHI) and to provide you with this detailed notice of our legal duties and privacy practices.

2. Permitted Uses and Disclosures of Health Information

We may use and disclose your Protected Health Information (PHI) for the following core healthcare purposes without requiring your written authorization:

• Treatment: Our psychiatrists, physician assistants, and licensed therapists share relevant diagnostic and medical notes within our clinical team to coordinate psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy. We may also coordinate with your primary care physician or pharmacy with appropriate consent.
• Payment: We transmit diagnostic codes and service records to your health insurance company, HMO, Medicare, or billing clearinghouse to verify coverage, obtain prior authorizations for psychiatric medications, and process insurance claims.
• Healthcare Operations: We use internal medical data for quality assurance, clinician peer reviews, regulatory audits, and clinical performance monitoring to ensure the highest standards of outpatient psychiatric care.

3. Special Situations & Legally Mandated Disclosures

Under strict federal and Texas state statutes, we may be obligated or permitted to disclose health information without your consent only in the following limited circumstances:

• Imminent Threat to Health or Safety: When necessary to prevent a serious, imminent physical threat to your health/safety or the safety of another individual (Texas Health & Safety Code).
• Child, Elder, or Vulnerable Adult Abuse Reporting: Texas law mandates immediate reporting of suspected abuse or neglect of minors, elderly individuals, or vulnerable persons to appropriate state authorities.
• Court Orders & Subpoenas: In response to a valid judicial court order, warrant, or legally compliant administrative subpoena.
• Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP): Compliance with Texas Health and Safety Code requirements regarding controlled substance prescription reporting (Texas PMP Aware).

4. Telehealth & Electronic Communications Security

24-7 Shalom Psychiatry conducts virtual telepsychiatry appointments throughout the State of Texas utilizing dedicated, end-to-end encrypted, HIPAA-compliant audiovisual platforms.

• Patient Portal: All intake forms, clinical summaries, and billing statements are securely stored and transmitted through our certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Kareo Patient Portal.
• SMS & Email Notice: Routine SMS text reminders and email notifications are intended solely for appointment confirmations. Sensitive psychiatric notes and clinical details are never transmitted over unencrypted email channels.

5. Your Individual Rights Under HIPAA

As a patient of 24-7 Shalom Psychiatry, you hold the following statutory rights regarding your medical records:

• Right to Inspect and Copy: You have the right to inspect and obtain an electronic or paper copy of your psychiatric medical and billing records upon written request.
• Right to Amend: If you believe information in your record is incorrect or incomplete, you may request a formal amendment in writing.
• Right to Request Restrictions: You have the right to request restrictions on how your health data is used for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
• Right to Confidential Communications: You may request that we communicate with you by alternative means or at specific telephone numbers or addresses.
• Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your health information.

6. Website Privacy & Cookie Usage

When you browse https://24-7shalompsychiatry.com/, our servers collect standard non-personally identifiable technical logs (such as browser type, device resolution, and page response times) to maintain website security and performance. We do not sell, trade, or rent personal browsing data to third-party commercial advertisers.

7. Privacy Officer Contact & Questions

If you have questions regarding this HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices or wish to exercise any of your privacy rights, please contact our Practice Privacy Officer: