HIPAA & Privacy Policies

Your privacy is important to us!

At JWalker Communication, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our clients' health information. This policy outlines our compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and details how we manage and safeguard protected health information (PHI).

Collection of Health Information

We collect PHI that is necessary for providing high-quality speech-language therapy services. This information may include:

  • Personal details such as name, address, and date of birth

  • Medical history and health conditions

  • Treatment plans and progress notes

Use and Disclosure of Health Information

We use and disclose PHI only as permitted or required by HIPAA and other applicable laws. This includes:

  • Providing treatment and coordinating care with other healthcare providers or educational systems

  • Processing payments

  • Conducting healthcare operations, such as quality assessment and improvement activities

  • Complying with legal and regulatory requirements

Client Rights

Clients have the following rights regarding their PHI:

  • Access: Clients can request to view or obtain a copy of their health records.

  • Amendment: Clients can request corrections to their health information if they believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.

  • Confidential Communications: Clients can request that we communicate with them in a specific way or at a specific location to protect their privacy.

  • Restrictions: Clients can request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of their PHI, though we may not always be able to comply.

  • Accounting of Disclosures: Clients can request a list of disclosures of their PHI made by JWalker Communication, except for those related to treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.

Safeguards

We implement various safeguards to protect PHI, including:

  • Administrative Safeguards: Policies and procedures to manage the selection, development, implementation, and maintenance of security measures.

  • Physical Safeguards: Measures to protect electronic systems, equipment, and data from threats, environmental hazards, and unauthorized intrusion.

  • Technical Safeguards: Technology and policies to protect and control access to PHI.

Breach Notification

In the event of a breach of unsecured PHI, we will notify affected individuals, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and, in some cases, the media, in accordance with HIPAA requirements.

Complaints

Clients have the right to file a complaint if they believe their privacy rights have been violated. Complaints can be filed with JWalker Communication’s Privacy Officer or the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). There will be no retaliation for filing a complaint.

Contact Information

For questions or more information about our HIPAA policies, please contact:

Jessica A Walker
JWalker Communication
jessica.walker.slp@gmail.com

(614) 881-0409

Changes to This Policy

We may update this HIPAA policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website and will be effective upon posting.

Thank you for trusting JWalker Communication with your speech-language therapy needs. We are dedicated to maintaining the privacy and security of your health information.