Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA Compliance)
Effective Date: October 14, 2025
Last Updated: October 14, 2025
This Notice Describes How Medical Information About You May Be Used and Disclosed and How You Can Get Access to This Information.
Please review it carefully.
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
At Richmed Hospice Services, we understand that your health information is deeply personal. Protecting your privacy is not only required by law — it’s also a part of our promise to treat every patient and family member with dignity, trust, and respect.
This notice explains how we may use and share your Protected Health Information (PHI), and what rights you have regarding your records.
Who We Are
Richmed Hospice Services provides compassionate hospice and palliative care throughout Dallas–Fort Worth and surrounding areas.
We are required by federal law (HIPAA) to:
- Keep your health information private and secure.
- Give you this Notice explaining our legal duties and privacy practices.
- Follow the terms of the Notice currently in effect.
How We May Use and Disclose Your Information
Below are examples of how we may use or share your PHI for permitted purposes. We will only use or disclose the minimum necessary information needed to fulfill the purpose.
1. For Treatment
We may use or share your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your medical care.
Example: Sharing details with doctors, nurses, pharmacists, or home health aides involved in your treatment.
2. For Payment
We may use or disclose PHI to obtain payment from your insurance, Medicare, or other third-party payers.
Example: Sending information to verify coverage or process claims.
3. For Healthcare Operations
We may use PHI to support daily business functions such as quality improvement, staff training, audits, and accreditation.
Example: Reviewing records to assess service performance.
Other Situations Where We May Use or Disclose Your PHI
We may also share your information in specific cases, as allowed or required by law:
- With Your Authorization: Any other use or disclosure of your PHI will be made only with your written consent.
- Family or Caregivers: We may share limited information with a family member or person involved in your care, unless you object.
- As Required by Law: If mandated by a court order, subpoena, or government agency.
- Public Health Activities: To report disease, injury, or abuse; or to support oversight agencies.
- Coroners and Funeral Directors: To assist in their official duties.
- Organ Donation and Transplantation: To support donation or procurement processes.
- Military and National Security: If required for national defense or veteran affairs.
- Workplace Safety: To comply with OSHA or other workplace health requirements.
- Law Enforcement: In limited cases to locate a missing person, report a crime, or comply with a warrant.
- Emergencies or Disasters: To inform family or authorities of your location or condition, when necessary.
When We Need Your Written Authorization
We will not use or disclose your PHI for the following without your explicit, written authorization:
- Marketing or promotional communications not related to your care.
- Sale of your health information.
- Psychotherapy notes (unless required by law).
You may revoke your authorization at any time by submitting a written request to our Privacy Officer. Once revoked, we will stop further disclosures except where we’ve already acted in reliance on your consent.
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
You have important rights concerning your medical information:
1. Right to Access
You can request a copy of your health records in paper or electronic format.
We may charge a reasonable fee for copying or mailing costs.
2. Right to Amend
If you believe any information is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment.
We may deny the request if the record is accurate or if it was created by another provider.
3. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may ask for a list of times we have shared your PHI (except for routine treatment, payment, or operations).
4. Right to Request Restrictions
You can ask us to restrict certain uses or disclosures of your information.
We will consider your request, but we are not always required to agree unless the restriction involves self-paid services.
5. Right to Confidential Communications
You can request that we communicate with you by alternative means (e.g., at a different address or phone number).
6. Right to a Paper Copy
You may request a printed copy of this Notice at any time, even if you agreed to receive it electronically.
Our Responsibilities
Richmed Hospice Services is legally required to:
- Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information.
- Inform you promptly if a breach occurs that may compromise your privacy.
- Provide this Notice and abide by its terms.
- Obtain your written permission for any use or disclosure not described in this Notice.
We will never sell or share your information except as permitted by law or with your explicit consent.
Changes to This Notice
We reserve the right to revise or update this Notice at any time.
When we do, the revised version will be posted on our website and available in our office.
The “Effective Date” at the top reflects the most recent update.
How to Exercise Your Rights or File a Complaint
If you have any questions, requests, or concerns about your privacy rights, please contact our Privacy Officer:
Richmed Hospice Services
9319 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy #203
Dallas, TX 75243
Phone: 469-381-2665 | Fax: 888-829-8823
Email: info@richmedhospice.com
You may also file a complaint directly with:
Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Website: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/
We will never retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Acknowledgment of Receipt
Patients or their authorized representatives will be asked to sign a form confirming receipt of this Notice.
Your signature does not mean you agree with the policy — it only confirms that you have received and reviewed it.
