NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES (HIPAA)

Emily Austin Therapy

Email: emily@emilyaustintherapy.com
Phone: 908-585-1287
Effective Date: January 21, 2026

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

I. MY PLEDGE REGARDING YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION
Information about you and your mental health care is personal. I am committed to protecting your health information.
I create and maintain records of the care and services you receive through this mental health practice. These records are necessary to provide you with quality care and to comply with legal requirements. This Notice applies to all records of your care maintained by this practice.
This Notice explains:
• How I may use and disclose your protected health information (“PHI”)
• Your rights regarding your PHI
• My legal responsibilities to protect your PHI
I am required by law to:
• Maintain the privacy of your PHI
• Provide you with this Notice of my legal duties and privacy practices
• Follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect
I may change the terms of this Notice at any time. Any changes will apply to all PHI I maintain. The most current version will be available upon request and on my website.

II. HOW I MAY USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION
The following categories describe ways in which I may use or disclose your PHI. Not every use or disclosure is listed, but all permitted uses fall within these categories.
Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations
Federal privacy laws allow healthcare providers to use or disclose PHI without written authorization for purposes of treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
Examples include:
• Providing, coordinating, or managing your mental health care
• Maintaining clinical records
• Processing payments or billing
Although federal law permits certain treatment-related disclosures without written authorization, it is my practice to obtain your written permission through a separate Release of Information authorization form before communicating with other providers whenever possible.
Legal Proceedings
If you are involved in a legal proceeding, I may disclose PHI in response to a court or administrative order, subpoena, or other lawful request, as required by law. When appropriate, I will make reasonable efforts to notify you before such disclosures.

III. USES AND DISCLOSURES THAT REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION
Psychotherapy Notes
I maintain clinical notes as part of your record within my electronic health system. Federal law defines a specific category called “psychotherapy notes,” which receive additional protection.
To the extent psychotherapy notes exist as defined under federal law (45 CFR § 164.501), they will not be disclosed without your written authorization, except in the following limited circumstances:
• For my own use in treating you
• To defend myself in legal proceedings initiated by you
• For investigations by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• As required by law
• To prevent a serious and imminent threat to health or safety
For consultation, training, or supervision purposes, any information shared is de-identified whenever possible.
Marketing and Sale of PHI
I do not use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes, and I do not sell your PHI.

IV. USES AND DISCLOSURES THAT DO NOT REQUIRE AUTHORIZATION
Subject to legal limits, I may use or disclose your PHI without your authorization when required by law, including:
• Reporting suspected abuse or neglect
• Health oversight activities (such as audits or investigations)
• Law enforcement purposes when legally required
• Coroners or medical examiners
• Workers’ compensation claims
• Appointment reminders, scheduling communications, and administrative messages related to the services you receive through this practice

V. INVOLVEMENT OF OTHERS IN YOUR CARE
I do not routinely share information with family members, friends, or others.
If someone else is involved in your care or payment for care, I will generally obtain your permission before sharing information.
In emergency situations where you are unable to provide consent, I may disclose limited information to an emergency contact or appropriate professionals only as necessary to protect your safety, as permitted by law.

VI. YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR PHI
You have the right to:
• Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your PHI (though I am not required to agree to all requests)
• Request restrictions for services paid out-of-pocket in full
• Request confidential communications (such as preferred contact methods)
• Inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI, excluding psychotherapy notes
• Request an accounting of certain disclosures
• Request corrections or amendments to your PHI
• Obtain a paper or electronic copy of this Notice at any time
VII. QUESTIONS OR COMPLAINTS
If you have questions about this Notice or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact Emily Austin Therapy using the contact information listed above.
You also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated. Filing a complaint will not affect your care.