HIPAA Notice
At iSmart Home Care, protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your health information is fundamental to the care we provide. We are committed to complying fully with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which sets the standards for safeguarding your Protected Health Information (PHI).
What is HIPAA?
HIPAA is a federal law passed in 1996 to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ health information. It requires healthcare providers, organizations, and their business partners to maintain strict procedures to protect PHI, whether it is in paper form, spoken aloud, or stored electronically. PHI includes any information that can identify you and relates to your health, treatment, or payment for healthcare services.
How iSmart Home Care Protects Your Information
We use your PHI only to provide the best possible care and to coordinate with your healthcare providers, insurance companies, and authorized parties. We strictly limit access to your information and implement secure systems to prevent unauthorized use or disclosure.
We do not share your information with anyone unless:
- You have given explicit permission.
- It is necessary for your treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
- We are required by law to do so (e.g., court orders or public health reporting).
Your Role in Protecting Your Health Information
HIPAA also requires you to play an active role in protecting your health information. Here are some important responsibilities we ask you to follow:
- Protect your records: If you receive any documents or electronic access to your health information, keep it secure. Do not leave records or devices unattended or in public places.
- Dispose of information properly: If you have any documents containing your health information that you no longer need, make sure to shred or securely dispose of them to prevent unauthorized access.
- Be cautious about sharing: Avoid discussing your health information in public or unsecured places (including phone conversations and emails).
- Control access to your information: Only share your personal health details with trusted individuals or those you have authorized. If you authorize someone to receive your information, confirm their identity before sharing.
- Use secure communication methods: When communicating with iSmart Home Care, use secure and approved channels. Avoid sharing sensitive information through unsecured email, text, or social media.
- Safeguard your login credentials: If you have access to any online portals or electronic records, never share your passwords or leave accounts logged in on shared or public devices.
Examples of HIPAA Violations to Avoid
To help you understand the importance of confidentiality, here are common examples of HIPAA violations that you and your caregivers should avoid:
- Sharing health information with friends, relatives, or coworkers who are not authorized.
- Discussing your or others’ private health information in public settings.
- Failing to properly log off or secure electronic devices that contain PHI.
- Sending PHI via unsecured emails or texts.
- Improperly disposing of paper records without shredding.
What Happens If HIPAA Is Violated?
Violating HIPAA can lead to serious consequences, including civil and criminal penalties under federal law (42 USC § 1320d-5). iSmart Home Care takes all potential violations seriously and has strict policies to prevent them.
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
You have the right to:
- Access and review your medical records.
- Request corrections to your health information.
- Limit who can receive your health information.
- Receive a list of disclosures of your PHI.
- Request confidential communications.
- File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
Contact Us
If you have questions about your privacy, need assistance with your health information, or want to report a concern, please contact:
- iSmart Home Care Privacy Officer
- Phone: 855- ismart(0)
- Email: tmata@ismarthomecare.com
- Address: 30 Union Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Your privacy is our priority. Thank you for partnering with iSmart Home Care to protect your health information.