The College of St. Scholastica Notice of Privacy Practices

This notice describes how medical and/or mental health information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information.

     Each time you visit a health care provider at The College of St Scholastica, a record of your visit is made.  The record may include symptoms, examination and test results, diagnoses, treatment, a plan for future care or treatment, and billing-related information.  This notice applies to all of the records of your care generated by The College of St. Scholastica.  Your health information is important to us.  All medical and/or mental health care professionals who treat you in any department at CSS will abide by the following information privacy policies.

Policy

     All patient health care information is deemed confidential.  The policy of this facility is to maintain each patient's health care information as confidential and to only make available a patient's health care records and information upon a valid, authorized request. 

Responsibilities

     We understand that medical/mental health information about you and your health care is personal and are committed to protecting your health information. You have the RIGHT to:

• Access copies of health information
• Amend your record
• Request confidential information
• Request restricted use
• Obtain an account of disclosures

Uses and Disclosures:

The following categories describe ways we use and disclose medical information.   In all cases we will release only the minimum necessary informaion.

Treatment:  We may:

• Use medical information about you to provide treatment or services.
• Disclose medical information about you to other CSS health care providers who are involved in your care.  (Different services may share medical information about you in order to coordinate the care you may need.)

Payment:  We may use and disclose medical information about your treatment and service to bill and collect payment from you or your insurance company.

Health Care Operations:  We may:

• Use information in your health record to review the treatment and services and to evaluate the performance of our staff in caring for you.
• Disclose medical information to business associates we have contracted with to perform the agreed upon service and billing.
• Use and disclose medical information to remind you of an appointment.
• Use and disclose medical information to assess your satisfaction with our services.
• Use and disclose medical information to inform you about possible alternatives.

For Individuals Involved:  In certain circumstances, we may have to release medical information about you to a family member or friend who is involved in your medical care or who helps pay for care.  We only do this with your authorization and this authorization may be revoked by you at any time.

Law Enforecement/Legal Proceedings:  We may disclose health information for law enforcement purposes as required by law, or in response to a court order or search warrant.

As Required by Law:  We may also use and disclose health information for the following types of entities, including but not limited to:  FDA, Public Health/Legal Authorities, Correctional Institutions, Workers' Compensation Agents, Organ/Tissue Donation Organizations, Health Oversight Agencies, Medical Examiners/Funeral Directors, National Security/Intelligence Agencies, Protective Services for the President and Others.

Questions:  CSS Privacy Officer at (218) 723-6116