Statement of Privacy Practices
Updated Statement of Privacy – Effective 2026
Our Commitment to Protecting Your Health Information
Our office is dedicated to safeguarding the privacy rights of our patients and the confidentiality of the health information you entrust to us. We require that all employees receive appropriate training and are committed to the principle that your health information is protected at all times. When privacy policies are amended, we will update this Notice of Privacy Practices and notify you as required by law.
Protecting Your Healthcare Information
We use and disclose information that we collect from you only as permitted by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the laws of the State of Washington. This includes disclosures for your treatment, payment, and health care operations. Unless you provide written authorization, we will not disclose your health information to anyone — including family members — except as legally permitted or required. You may provide written authorization for us to disclose your information to anyone you choose for any purpose.
Security and Confidentiality
Our offices and electronic systems are protected from unauthorized access, and our workforce is trained to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your records. Our privacy practices apply to all former, current, and future patients.
Information We Collect
We collect only the personal information necessary to provide quality health care, facilitate payment, conduct normal health care operations, and comply with legal requirements. This may include your name, address, telephone number(s), Social Security number, employment data, medical history, and health records. Some information may be obtained from third parties if necessary. Regardless of the source, your personal information is always protected to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Uses and Disclosures of Your Information
We may use or disclose your protected health information for the following purposes:
Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations
As Required by Law, including for public health purposes, law enforcement, and judicial proceedings when legally authorized
Appointment Reminders and Care Communications
(including voicemail messages or postcards unless you direct otherwise)
Substance Use Disorder Records — if we create, receive, maintain, or transmit records of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment information regulated under 42 CFR Part 2, additional protections apply, and the Notice of Privacy Practices reflects these protections as required under updated HIPAA rules effective February 16, 2026.
We will never sell your protected health information in exchange for financial remuneration.
Redisclosure Notice
Information that we disclose in accordance with HIPAA may be subject to redisclosure by the recipient and may no longer be protected by HIPAA. This Notice informs you of this potential.
Your Rights as a Patient
Under HIPAA, you have the right to:
Request access to your health information
Request copies in a variety of formats
Request an accounting of disclosures of your protected information
Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures
Receive communications by alternative means or at alternative locations
Opt out of fundraising communications
Complain if you believe your rights have been violated
All such requests must be submitted in writing. We may charge a reasonable, law-allowed fee for copies of your records.
Breach Notification
Any breach of the protection of your personal health information — including unauthorized access, use, or disclosure — will be fully investigated, addressed, and mitigated as required by the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule. You have the right to receive information about any breach involving your personal protected health information.
Filing a Complaint
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, please notify our office immediately. You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) Update
This Notice reflects updates required under the HIPAA Privacy Rule that must be implemented by February 16, 2026, including updated privacy notice content related to SUD records, redisclosure risks, and other required disclosures in accordance with federal regulations.