HIPAA

HIPAA, Protected Health Information (PHI), Data Privacy & Communication Practices

Protecting Your Privacy Is Part Of Providing Exceptional Care

At My Healing Angels Homecare Services, we believe exceptional home care begins with meaningful relationships. Every relationship is built on trust, respect, dignity, and confidentiality.

Whether we are providing personal care, skilled nursing, pediatric home care, respite services, companion care, or coordinating services through Georgia Medicaid waiver programs or veterans’ benefits, we are committed to protecting the privacy of every individual and family we serve.

Respecting your privacy is more than a legal obligation. It is an essential part of the compassionate, relationship-centered care that defines My Healing Angels Homecare Services.

This page explains how we protect your health information, comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), safeguard confidential records, and maintain responsible data privacy practices throughout every stage of your care.

Our Commitment To HIPAA Compliance

My Healing Angels Homecare Services complies with the applicable requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the HIPAA Privacy Rule, the HIPAA Security Rule, the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule, and other applicable federal and Georgia laws governing the privacy and security of health information.

Every member of our team shares responsibility for protecting confidential information and receives training on privacy, confidentiality, and information security as part of our commitment to providing safe, ethical, and professional care.

What Is Protected Health Information (PHI)?

Protected Health Information (PHI) is individually identifiable information about your health or healthcare services that is created, received, maintained, or transmitted by My Healing Angels Homecare Services.

Examples of PHI may include:

• Your name, address, telephone number, or date of birth
• Medical history
• Diagnoses and health conditions
• Care plans
• Physician orders
• Nursing documentation
• Medication information
• Allergies
• Insurance and Medicaid information
• Veterans benefits information
• Appointment schedules
• Caregiver visit documentation
• Clinical notes
• Laboratory results
• Billing information related to healthcare services

Whether your information is stored electronically, on paper, or communicated verbally, we treat it with the same level of confidentiality and care.

How We Use Your Health Information

We use Protected Health Information only when necessary to provide quality care and operate our organization responsibly.

Your information may be used to:

Treatment

Coordinate your care among physicians, nurses, caregivers, therapists, hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, and other healthcare professionals involved in your care.

Care Coordination

Develop personalized care plans, schedule services, communicate with caregivers, and ensure continuity of care that supports your goals, independence, and quality of life.

Payment

Verify insurance coverage, process Medicaid or veterans’ benefits, submit claims, issue invoices, and support payment for authorized services.

Healthcare Operations

Improve service quality, train employees, conduct quality assurance activities, manage staffing, maintain accreditation, and comply with licensing and regulatory requirements.

Legal And Regulatory Requirements

When required by law, we may use or disclose information for public health reporting, licensing surveys, audits, investigations, court orders, or other legally authorized purposes.

We follow the HIPAA “Minimum Necessary” standard whenever applicable, using or disclosing only the amount of information reasonably necessary to accomplish the intended purpose.

How We Protect Your Information

Protecting confidential information is integrated into every aspect of our operations.

My Healing Angels Homecare Services maintains administrative, physical, and technical safeguards designed to reduce the risk of unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of Protected Health Information.

Our safeguards include:

• Confidentiality policies and procedures
• Workforce privacy and HIPAA training
• Secure electronic systems
• Password-protected devices
• Role-based access controls
• Secure cloud technologies
• Encryption where appropriate
• Locked storage for paper records
• Secure document destruction practices
• Routine security reviews
• Incident response procedures
• Vendor oversight and security expectations

Access to confidential information is limited to authorized personnel whose job responsibilities require access.

Business Associate Agreements

Certain trusted service providers assist My Healing Angels Homecare Services in supporting our operations.

When required by HIPAA, we enter into Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with vendors that may create, receive, maintain, or transmit Protected Health Information on our behalf.

These agreements require vendors to:

• Protect confidential information
• Maintain appropriate security safeguards
• Report unauthorized disclosures
• Comply with applicable HIPAA requirements
• Use information only for authorized purposes

Business Associates may include electronic care management platforms, secure communication providers, technology vendors, billing services, and other organizations that help us deliver quality care.

Your Rights Under HIPAA

As a patient or authorized representative, you have important rights regarding your health information.

Subject to applicable laws, you may have the right to:

• Request access to your health records
• Request copies of certain records
• Request corrections or amendments
• Request confidential communications through alternative methods
• Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
• Receive an accounting of certain disclosures
• Obtain a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices when applicable
• File a privacy complaint without fear of retaliation

We are committed to responding to requests in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Data Privacy Beyond HIPAA

Privacy extends beyond medical records.

My Healing Angels Homecare Services also protects personal information collected through:

• Our website
• Contact forms
• Consultation requests
• Employment applications
• Telephone communications
• Email correspondence
• Community events
• Educational programs
• Client and caregiver interactions

We apply reasonable safeguards to personal information regardless of whether it qualifies as Protected Health Information under HIPAA.

Confidential Communications

Every interaction with our clients and families deserves professionalism, discretion, and respect.

Whenever possible, confidential conversations are conducted through secure communication methods appropriate for the information being shared.

Employees are expected to safeguard confidential conversations in homes, offices, healthcare facilities, and community settings while respecting each client’s dignity and privacy.

Privacy Training

Every employee, caregiver, nurse, contractor, and authorized workforce member receives education regarding privacy, confidentiality, and information security appropriate to their role.

Training may include:

• HIPAA Privacy Rule requirements
• Confidentiality expectations
• Secure handling of records
• Password security
• Email and electronic communications
• Mobile device security
• Social engineering awareness
• Reporting privacy concerns
• Appropriate documentation practices

Privacy is a shared responsibility throughout our organization.

Breach Response

Although we work diligently to protect confidential information, no system can eliminate every potential risk.

If My Healing Angels Homecare Services becomes aware of an unauthorized use or disclosure of Protected Health Information that meets the definition of a reportable breach under applicable law, we will investigate the incident promptly and provide any required notifications in accordance with HIPAA and other applicable legal requirements.

We also review incidents to strengthen safeguards and reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.

Marketing Communications

From time to time, My Healing Angels Homecare Services may share educational information, community resources, wellness tips, employment opportunities, company announcements, or event invitations with individuals who have requested to receive such communications.

Marketing communications may be delivered by:

• Email
• Telephone
• Text message
• Postal mail
• Social media
• Website announcements

Participation is voluntary.

You may unsubscribe from marketing emails or opt out of promotional text messages at any time by following the instructions provided in the communication or by contacting our office.

We do not sell your personal information or mobile telephone number to third parties for marketing purposes.

Questions Or Privacy Concerns

We encourage open communication regarding privacy and confidentiality.

If you have questions about this page, your health information, or our privacy practices, we encourage you to contact us.

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. Filing a complaint will not affect your care or result in retaliation.

Our Commitment To Every Family We Serve

Choosing a home care provider means placing your trust in people who will care for your health, your home, and your personal information.

At My Healing Angels Homecare Services, we honor that trust by protecting your privacy with the same compassion, integrity, and professionalism that guide every visit, every conversation, and every relationship.

Our commitment extends beyond meeting legal requirements. It reflects who we are as an organization and our mission to improve quality of life in the comfort of home while building meaningful relationships that support every individual and family we are privileged to serve.