Notice of Privacy Practices

Effective Date: December 16, 2024

Our Commitment to Your Privacy
‍At Smile For All Family Dental, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your health information. We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your health information and to provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices concerning your health information, as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the New Jersey Consumer Health Information Privacy Act (CHIPA). 

How We Use and Disclose Your Health Information
‍We may use and disclose your health information in the following ways:

1- Treatment: We may use and disclose your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your dental care and related services.
‍Example: A dentist or dental hygienist may share information with the lab that is making your dental prosthesis.

2- Payment: We may use and disclose your health information to obtain payment for the services we provide.
‍Example: We may send your health information to your insurance company for claims processing.

3- Healthcare Operations: We may use and disclose your health information to conduct administrative and business functions necessary for the operation of our practice.
‍Example: We may use your health information for quality assessments, employee training, or licensing activities.

4- Appointment Reminders and Treatment Alternatives: We may use and disclose your health information to contact you to remind you of appointments, discuss treatment options, or inform you of other health-related benefits and services.

‍5- Patient Authorization: We may disclose your health information to third parties only when you provide us with written authorization to do so. For example, if you authorize us to send your health information to another healthcare provider or to a family member, we will comply with your request.

6- To Family or Friends Involved in Your Care: We may disclose your health information to a family member, friend, or other person you designate, if necessary, to assist in your dental care or in the payment for your care. We will only disclose the information that is directly relevant to their involvement in your care.

7- Marketing Purposes: We will not use or disclose your health information for marketing purposes without your written authorization. This means we do not send your information to third-party marketers or use it to promote products or services.

8- Required by Law: We may disclose your health information when required to do so by federal, state, or local law. For example, if we are required by a court order or subpoena, we will disclose your information as directed.

9- If We Suspect Abuse or Neglect: We may disclose your health information to the appropriate authorities if we suspect that you are a victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. This may include reporting to law enforcement or child protective services as required by law.

10- Other Uses and Disclosures: We may also use or disclose your health information as required or permitted by law, such as in response to subpoenas, court orders, or law enforcement requests.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
‍You have the following rights regarding your health information:

1- Right to Inspect and Copy: You have the right to inspect and copy your health information, with certain exceptions, as provided by HIPAA and New Jersey law.

2- Right to Amend: You have the right to request an amendment to your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete, in accordance with HIPAA and New Jersey law.
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3- Right to Request Restrictions: You have the right to request a restriction on how we use or disclose your health information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. We are not required to agree to your request but will review it in accordance with applicable laws.

4- Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to request an accounting of disclosures of your health information, except for disclosures made for treatment, payment, or health care operations, or those made with your consent, as permitted by HIPAA and New Jersey law.

5- Right to Confidential Communications: You have the right to request that we communicate with you about your health information in a certain way or at a certain location, such as at your home or by phone, in accordance with HIPAA and New Jersey law.

6- Right to Receive a Copy of This Notice: You have the right to receive a paper copy of this Notice at any time, even if you have previously agreed to receive this Notice electronically. 

Changes To This Notice
We reserve the right to change this Notice of Privacy Practices at any time. Any changes will apply to all the health information we maintain, including health information created or received before the changes were made. We will post the updated Notice in our office and on our website. You may request a copy of the most current Notice at any time.

‍Complaints
‍If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. To file a complaint with our practice, please contact:

Front Desk Associate
Office Phone: 862-329-0629

You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.

‍Contact Information
‍If you have any questions about this Notice or our privacy practices, or if you wish to exercise any of your rights under HIPAA or New Jersey law, please contact us.