Notice of Privacy Practices
Notice of Privacy Practices
Effective February 16, 2026
This Notice describes how your health information may be used and disclosed and how you can access it. Please review it carefully.
Our Legal Duties
We must:
- Protect the privacy of your health information
- Provide this Notice describing our privacy practices
- Notify you if a breach of unsecured information occurs
- Follow the terms of this Notice
- Comply with California laws that provide additional protections
How We Use and Disclose Information
Treatment, Payment, and Operations
We may use or disclose your information for treatment, payment, and health care operations as allowed by law.
When Your Authorization Is Required
We must obtain your written authorization for:
- Most uses and disclosures of psychotherapy notes
- Marketing
- Sale of health information
- Substance Use Disorder (SUD) records protected under 42 CFR Part 2
- Disclosures restricted under California’s Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA), unless an exception applies
You may revoke an authorization in writing at any time.
Other Uses and Disclosures Allowed by Law
We may use or disclose information without your authorization when required or permitted by federal or California law, including:
- Public health
- Abuse, neglect, or domestic violence reporting
- Health oversight
- or administrative proceedings
- Law enforcement
- Coroners and medical examiners
- Organ donation
- Approved research
- Preventing a serious threat
- Specialized government functions
- Workers’ compensation
- Disclosures permitted or required under California law
Your Rights
Access
You may inspect or obtain a copy of your health information.
Amendment
You may request an amendment if you believe your information is incorrect or incomplete.
Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of certain disclosures, including disclosures of SUD records.
Restrictions
You may request restrictions on use or disclosure.
We must agree when you pay in full out‑of‑pocket and request that information not be shared with your health plan.
Confidential Communications
You may request communication in a specific way or at a specific location.
California law requires us to accommodate certain requests.
Paper Copy
You may request a paper copy of this Notice at any time.
Complaints
You may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Contact us at 805-380-5048 or info@hellosmiledental.com