NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
Renewing Hope Counseling

 

This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how medical and mental health information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully.

Our Commitment to Your Privacy
Renewing Hope Counseling (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your protected health information (PHI) in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), rules and regulations of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), and applicable ethical standards of the American Psychological Association (APA) and other professional organizations.

 

We are required by law to:

• Maintain the privacy of your PHI

• Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices

• Abide by the terms of this Notice

 

What Is Protected Health Information (PHI)
Protected Health Information includes information that identifies you and relates to:

• Your mental health or medical condition

• The provision of health care services

• Payment for health care services

PHI may be maintained in written, electronic, or verbal form.

 

How We May Use and Disclose Your Information
1. Treatment
Renewing Hope Counseling may use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your mental health care. This may include consultation with other licensed professionals involved in your treatment.
2. Payment
We may use and disclose PHI to obtain payment for services, including billing insurance companies, claims processing, eligibility verification, and related activities.
3. Health Care Operations

 

We may use PHI for operational purposes such as clinical supervision, quality assurance, licensing compliance, audits, administrative functions, and practice management.
Uses and Disclosures Without Authorization
Renewing Hope Counseling may disclose PHI without your written authorization when permitted or required by law, including but not limited to:

• Legal Requirements: When required by federal, state, or local law

• Court Orders and Subpoenas: In response to a valid court order or subpoena

• Duty to Warn or Protect: When there is a credible risk of serious harm to you or others

• Abuse or Neglect: Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or disabled individual

• Public Health and Safety: To prevent or lessen a serious threat to health or safety

• Licensing and Regulatory Oversight: To the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council or other regulatory authorities

• Medical Emergencies: When necessary to provide emergency care

 

Uses and Disclosures Requiring Authorization
Renewing Hope Counseling will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing PHI for purposes not described in this Notice, including:

• Marketing activities

• Release of psychotherapy notes (with limited legal exceptions)

• Disclosure to third parties not involved in treatment, payment, or operations

You may revoke authorization in writing at any time, except where action has already been taken.
Your Rights Regarding Your PHI

 

You have the right to:
✔ Access Your Records
Request access to or copies of your PHI, subject to legal limitations.
✔ Request Amendments
Request corrections to your PHI if you believe it is incomplete or inaccurate.
✔ Request Restrictions
Request limits on certain uses or disclosures (Renewing Hope Counseling is not required to agree in all cases).
✔ Request Confidential Communications
Request communication in a specific manner or at a specific location.
✔ Receive an Accounting of Disclosures
Request a list of certain disclosures made without your authorization.
✔ Receive a Paper Copy
Request a paper copy of this Notice at any time.

 

Electronic Communication and Telehealth
Renewing Hope Counseling may use secure electronic systems, email, and telehealth platforms to communicate and provide services. While reasonable safeguards are in place, electronic communication carries inherent risks.
By engaging in electronic communication or telehealth services, you acknowledge and accept these risks.
Complaints

 

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

• Renewing Hope Counseling – Privacy Officer

• Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC)

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.

 

Changes to This Notice
Renewing Hope Counseling reserves the right to change this Notice at any time. Any changes will apply to all PHI we maintain and will be posted on our website and available upon request.

 

Contact Information
Renewing Hope Counseling
11777 Katy Freeway, Suite 350

Houston, TX  77079
713-365-0700
admin@renewinghope.net

Acknowledgment of Receipt
Clients will be asked to acknowledge receipt of this Notice of Privacy Practices in accordance with HIPAA requirements.