Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP)

Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP)

Effective Date: July 31, 2025

This Notice 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.

1. Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Healing Every Root Wellness Center (“the practice”) is committed to protecting your health information. We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (PHI), to provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices, and to abide by the terms described here.

2. How We May Use and Disclose Your Information

We may use and disclose your PHI for the following purposes without additional authorization:

a. For Treatment

To provide, coordinate, or manage your healthcare and mental health services. For example, information may be shared with another provider involved in your care.

b. For Payment

To obtain payment or reimbursement for services, such as with insurance companies or billing services.

c. For Healthcare Operations

To support administrative, educational, quality improvement, and business functions of the practice.

d. As Required by Law

We may disclose PHI when required by federal, state, or local law.

e. To Prevent Harm

If we believe you may pose a danger to yourself or others, or if there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult, we may disclose information to protect safety as required by law.

f. Public Health and Oversight Activities

We may disclose information to public health authorities or oversight agencies as required for audits, investigations, or licensure.

g. Legal Proceedings and Law Enforcement

We may disclose PHI in response to a court order, subpoena, or other lawful request, in compliance with HIPAA and state law.

3. Other Uses and Disclosures Requiring Authorization

In all other situations not covered above, we will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing your PHI. You may revoke an authorization at any time in writing.

This includes (but is not limited to):

• Psychotherapy notes (separately documented from your medical record)
• Marketing or fundraising communications
• Sale of PHI

4. Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

You have the right to:

• Request Access: Inspect or obtain a copy of your health record.
• Request Amendments: Ask for corrections if you believe your record is inaccurate.
• Request Restrictions: Ask us not to use or disclose certain information (though we may not always be able to agree).
• Request Confidential Communications: Ask that we contact you in a specific way (e.g., by phone, mail, or email).
• Receive an Accounting of Disclosures: Request a list of certain disclosures made in the last six years.
• Receive a Paper Copy: You are entitled to a paper copy of this Notice at any time.
• File a Complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.

5. Our Responsibilities

We are required to:

• Maintain the privacy and security of your PHI
• Provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices
• Follow the terms of this Notice
• Notify you if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your PHI

6. Electronic Communications

We use HIPAA-compliant systems such as SimplePractice to manage health records, telehealth, and secure communications. Email and website contact forms should not be used to share sensitive PHI.

7. Changes to This Notice

We may revise this Notice as laws or practices change. Updated Notices will be available in our office and on our website with a new effective date.

8. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Notice, your privacy rights, or wish to file a complaint, please contact:

Privacy Officer

Healing Every Root Wellness Center

shania@herwc.com 

443.713.9623

16701 Melford Blvd

Bowie, MD 40215

If you prefer, you may also file a complaint directly with:

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

200 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20201

Website: https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/