At Family Connection Center, we are committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding your personal and health information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect the information you share with us when visiting or interacting with our website at www.familyconnectioncenter.com.

 

Protected Health Information (PHI)

At Family Connection Center, we take your Protected Health Information (PHI) seriously. PHI includes any information about your health, treatment, or payment for healthcare that could identify you. We handle PHI in strict compliance with HIPAA regulations.

 

Information We Collect

When you visit www.familyconnectioncenter.com, we may collect the following types of information:
 

1. Personal Information:

   • Information you voluntarily provide through contact forms, appointment requests, or subscription sign-ups, such as your name, email address, phone number, and other details.

   • Any information you provide through our online tools, which are HIPAA-compliant and secure.

2. Non-Personal Information:

   • Data collected automatically, such as your IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, and usage patterns, which help us improve website functionality.

 

How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected for purposes including but not limited to:
 

• Scheduling appointments and communicating with you about your care.

• Responding to inquiries submitted through our website.

• Improving the functionality and security of our website.

• Sending periodic updates or newsletters, with your consent.

• Complying with legal requirements and ensuring HIPAA compliance.
   

Your PHI will only be used for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations as permitted under HIPAA. We will not use your PHI for marketing purposes without your written authorization.

 

Data Sharing and Third-Party Services

We only share your information in the following circumstances:
 

• With Your Authorization: For treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, and only with your explicit consent.

• Trusted Business Associates: Third-party vendors or tools (e.g., HIPAA-compliant scheduling platforms and payment processors) may process your information securely.

• Legal Obligations: If required by law, such as to comply with subpoenas or mandatory reporting requirements.
   

All third-party service providers are required to adhere to strict confidentiality and security standards.

 

HIPAA-Compliant Safeguards

We employ technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your PHI. These include:
 

• Encryption: All transmitted data, including PHI, is encrypted using industry-standard methods.

• Access Controls: Only authorized personnel with a legitimate need to know have access to PHI.

• Audit Logs: All access and changes to PHI are logged and monitored.

• Data Breach Protocols: In the unlikely event of a data breach involving your PHI, you will be notified as required by HIPAA regulations.
   

Despite these safeguards, no method of electronic transmission is entirely secure. We continuously work to improve our security measures.

 

Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use cookies or other tracking technologies for analytics and functionality purposes. However, no PHI is collected through these methods. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though this may limit certain website features.

 

Your Rights Under HIPAA

You have the following rights regarding your PHI:
 

• Access: You may request copies of your medical records.

• Amendments: You may request corrections to your PHI if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.

• Restrictions: You may request restrictions on how your PHI is used or shared.

• Confidential Communications: You may request how we communicate with you (e.g., by phone, email, or at a specific address).

• Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a record of how your PHI has been disclosed.
   

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.

 

Children’s Privacy

Our website and services are not intended for individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent.

 

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or HIPAA regulations. Updates will be posted on this page, and we encourage you to review it regularly.

 

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your PHI, please contact us:
 

Family Connection Center
Website: www.familyconnectioncenter.com
Email: admin@familyconnectioncenter.com
Phone: (219) 484-2143
Address: 8973 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410
 

Effective Date: 11/25/2024
 

By using our website, you consent to the terms of this Privacy Policy. For more detailed information about how we handle PHI, please refer to our Notice of Privacy Practices, which is available upon request. Thank you for trusting Family Connection Center.