Confidentiality Policy

Information regarding your health care, including payment for health care, is protected by two federal laws: the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
(HIPAA), 42 U.S.C. 1320d et seq., 45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164, and for clients receiving substance abuse services, the Confidentiality Law 42 U.S.C. 290dd-2, 42 C.F.R. Part 2. Under these laws Synchrony may not say to a person outside Synchrony that you received services, nor may Synchrony disclose any information identifying you as a Synchrony client, or disclose any other protected information except as permitted by federal law.

Synchrony must obtain your written consent before it can disclose information about you for payment purposes. For example, Synchrony must obtain your written consent before it can disclose information to your health insurer in order to be paid for services. Generally, you must also sign a written consent before Synchrony can share information for treatment purposes or for health care operations. However, federal law permits Synchrony to disclose information without your written permission:

1. Pursuant to an agreement with a qualified service organization/business associate;

2. For research, audit or evaluations;

3. To report a crime committed on Synchrony's premises or against Synchrony personnel;

4. To medical personnel in a medical emergency;

5. To appropriate authorities to report suspected child abuse or neglect;

6. As allowed by court order, issued under C.F.R. 42 Part 2, Sub-part E.

For example, Synchrony can disclose information without your consent to obtain legal or financial services, or to another medical facility to provide health care to you, as long as there is a qualified service organization/business associate agreement in place. Before Synchrony can use or disclose any information about your health in a manner that is not described above, it must first obtain your specific written consent allowing it to make the disclosure. Any such written consent may be revoked by you in writing.

Your Rights

Under HIPAA, you have the right to request restriction on certain uses and disclosure of your health information. Synchrony is not required to agree to any restrictions you request, but if Synchrony does agree, then we are bound by that agreement and may not use or disclose any information that you have restricted except as necessary in a medical emergency. You have the right to request that we communicate with you by alternative means or at an alternative location.