Effective Date: January 1, 2024
Applies To: SierraVista Behavioral Health, its facilities, subsidiaries, and associates
Our Commitment to Privacy
SierraVista is committed to providing high-quality behavioral healthcare services and protecting your health information in accordance with federal and state law. This Notice of Privacy Practices (“Notice”) describes your rights and our duties under federal law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) and 42 CFR Part 2 (Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records). Protected Health Information (“PHI”) refers to information about you—including demographic information—that may identify you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health, the provision of care, or payment for that care.
Our Duties
We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your PHI, provide you with this Notice explaining our legal duties and privacy practices, notify you if a breach occurs involving your unsecured PHI, and follow the terms of this Notice until it is revised. We reserve the right to revise this Notice at any time, consistent with applicable law and business practices. The revised Notice will apply to all PHI we maintain and will be made available upon request, electronically through our website, and posted in our facility. We are also required to respond to your privacy-related requests promptly and appropriately.
Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Records
The confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records maintained by SierraVista is protected by federal law (42 CFR Part 2). Generally, we may not disclose information identifying you as receiving alcohol or drug abuse treatment unless you provide written consent, disclosure is authorized by a valid court order, or disclosure is made to medical personnel in a medical emergency or to qualified personnel for research, audit, or program evaluation purposes. Violations of these laws are crimes and may be reported to appropriate authorities. Federal law does not protect information related to crimes committed on SierraVista premises or against its staff, or threats to commit such crimes. Federal law also does not protect information regarding suspected child abuse or neglect, which must be disclosed to appropriate state authorities in accordance with state law.
Uses and Disclosures of PHI
We may use or disclose your PHI as permitted or required by law. This includes sharing information within SierraVista and among affiliated facilities or staff involved in your care; using it to bill and receive payment from your insurance provider; and using it to perform internal business functions such as quality assurance, accreditation, and licensing. We may disclose PHI to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for investigations into HIPAA compliance; to business associates contracted to perform services on our behalf that require them to safeguard your PHI; and to law enforcement for crimes committed on our premises or against our personnel. We may report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law, comply with valid court orders that meet legal requirements, share information with medical personnel in emergencies, use information for research approved by an Institutional Review Board, provide information for authorized audit and evaluation activities, and disclose information related to deaths to public health authorities as required.
Authorization to Use or Disclose PHI
Other than as described above, SierraVista will not use or disclose your PHI without your written authorization. This includes the use or disclosure of psychotherapy notes, the use or disclosure of PHI for marketing communications, or any sale of PHI. You may revoke an authorization in writing at any time, and revocation will not affect prior uses or disclosures made while the authorization was valid.
Right to Notice
You have the right to receive a copy of this Notice at any time, either in paper or electronic form. It is also available online at https://archvistabh.com/. You may request a copy from facility staff or the SierraVista Privacy Official at any time.
Right of Access to Inspect and Copy
You have the right to access, inspect, and obtain a copy of your PHI in paper or electronic format, subject to limited exceptions permitted by law. Requests must be made in writing. If access is denied, the denial will be provided in writing with an explanation and review process. A reasonable, cost-based fee may be charged for copies, mailing, or electronic delivery.
Right to Amend
If you believe that the PHI we have about you is inaccurate or incomplete, you may request an amendment for as long as the information is maintained by us. Your request must be made in writing and include a reason to support the change. If we deny your request, we will provide a written explanation and you may submit a statement of disagreement that will be attached to your record.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You have the right to request an accounting of certain disclosures of your PHI made by SierraVista during the six years prior to your request. Requests must be made in writing. The first accounting within a twelve-month period is provided at no cost; additional requests may be subject to a reasonable fee.
Right to Request Restrictions
You have the right to request restrictions on how we use or disclose your PHI for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. While we are not required to agree to all restrictions, we must comply with your request to restrict disclosure to a health plan if you have fully paid out-of-pocket for the service and the disclosure is not required by law. Any request must be made in writing.
Right to Confidential Communications
You have the right to request that we communicate with you through alternative means or at alternative locations, such as a different mailing address or phone number. We will accommodate reasonable requests to protect your confidentiality.
Right to Notification of a Breach
You have the right to be notified in the event that SierraVista or one of our business associates discovers a breach involving your unsecured PHI. Such notice will be provided in accordance with federal and state law.
Right to File a Complaint
You have the right to file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated. Complaints may be submitted to the SierraVista Privacy Official at the address listed below or to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. SierraVista will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Contact Information
SierraVista
4770 Larimer Pkwy, Johnstown, CO 80534