Privacy Policy

This notice outlines how your medical information may be used and disclosed, and how you can access it. Please read it carefully.

Our Duty to Safeguard Your Protected Health Information (PHI)

Sullivan County Regional Health Department is committed to protecting your privacy as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Your Protected Health Information (PHI) includes details about your past, present, or future health, healthcare services, or payment for those services. We are required to provide this notice explaining our privacy practices regarding your PHI.

Our Pledge Regarding Your Protected Health Information

Your health information is personal, and we take protecting it seriously. This notice applies to all health information in our care, including:

1. Records from health department clinics.
2. Health records received from other providers.

We are legally required to:

1. Keep your PHI confidential.
2. Provide you with this privacy notice.
3. Follow the terms of the current privacy notice.

How We May Use and Disclose Your PHI

For Treatment

We may share your PHI with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in your care, including external providers for prescriptions, lab work, or x-rays.

For Payment

Your PHI may be used to bill for services or to obtain payment from insurance providers.

For Healthcare Operations

We may use your PHI to assess and improve our services and programs.

Appointment Reminders

We may use your PHI to remind you of upcoming appointments.

Uses and Disclosures Without Your Permission

In certain cases, we may share your PHI without your permission, including:

• As Required by Law: To comply with legal obligations or to report abuse or neglect.
• Health Oversight Activities: For audits, investigations, or licensure.
• Public Health Risks: To report diseases, injuries, or vital statistics such as births or deaths.
• Research: For medical research under specific conditions.
• To Avert Serious Threats: If necessary to prevent harm to you or others.
• Government Functions: For national security, law enforcement, and benefits programs.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

Right to Inspect and Copy

You have the right to view or get copies of your health records. Requests must be in writing, and fees may apply.

Right to Amend

If you believe your records contain errors, you may request corrections in writing, providing reasons for the amendment.

Right to Know What Information Has Been Released

You may request a list of disclosures made after April 14, 2003. The first request within a 12-month period is free.

Right to Request Restrictions

You can ask us to limit how your PHI is used or disclosed. Although we are not required to agree, we will honor reasonable requests.

Right to Confidential Communications

You may request that we communicate with you at a specific location or by a certain method.

Right to Authorize Release of Information

We will only release your PHI with your written authorization, which you can revoke at any time.

Right to a Paper Copy of This Notice

You can request a paper copy of this notice at any time.

How to Get More Information or File a Complaint

If you have questions or believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may contact:

Sullivan County Regional Health Department Privacy Officer
PO Box 630, Blountville, TN 37617
Phone: (423) 279-2777 | Fax: (423) 279-2797
www.sullivanhealth.org

TN Department of Health’s Privacy Officer
Bureau of Health Informatics
425 Fifth Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37247
Phone: 877-280-0054 | Fax: 615-532-1886
www.tn.gov/health

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
200 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20201
Phone: 866-627-7748 | TTY: 886-788-4989

You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.