NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES Ralls County Health Department Effective Date: september 8th, 2026
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 RESPONSIBILITIES Ralls County Health Department is required by law to: Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI) Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices Follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect Notify you if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information We reserve the right to change this Notice and make the new terms effective for all protected health information we maintain. Updated notices will be posted in our office and on our website at rallscountyhealth.org.
HOW WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR INFORMATION We may use and disclose your health information without your written authorization for the following purposes:
Treatment- We may use and share your information to provide, coordinate, or manage your health care. Examples include sharing immunization records with your physician, sending laboratory information to a lab, or consulting with another provider about your care.
Payment We may use and disclose your information to bill and receive payment for services provided. Examples include submitting claims to Medicaid or other insurers and providing documentation required for payment.
Health Care Operations We may use your information to operate and improve our services. Examples include quality improvement activities, staff performance review, audits, and compliance monitoring.
Public Health Activities As a local public health authority, we may use or disclose your information for public health purposes authorized by law, including: Disease reporting and surveillance Reporting communicable diseases Immunization registry reporting Public health investigations Preventing or controlling disease, injury, or disability
WIC Program If you participate in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, we may use or disclose your information as necessary to administer the program and comply with federal and state requirements.
Fundraising Communications We may use limited information, such as your name and contact information, to contact you for fundraising efforts that support our programs. You have the right to opt out of receiving fundraising communications at any time. To opt out of Fundraising Communications please contact the Administrator at 573-985-7121.
Required by Law We may disclose your information when required by federal, state, or local law. Abuse, Neglect, or Domestic Violence We may disclose information to appropriate authorities if required or authorized by law to report abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
Health Oversight We may disclose information to health oversight agencies for audits, inspections, investigations, and licensure activities.
Law Enforcement and Judicial Proceedings We may disclose information in response to court orders, subpoenas, or lawful law enforcement requests.
Serious Threat to Health or Safety We may disclose information if necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat to the health or safety of a person or the public.
Business Associates We may share your information with contracted service providers (Business Associates), such as our information technology provider or laboratory services, who are required by law and contract to protect your information.
USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRING YOUR AUTHORIZATION We will obtain your written authorization for: The use or disclosure of psychotherapy notes (if applicable) Marketing purposes The sale of protected health information You may revoke your authorization in writing at any time.
YOUR RIGHTS You have the right to:
Inspect and Obtain a Copy You may request to inspect or obtain a copy of your health records. Certain limitations may apply.
Request an Amendment If you believe your information is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment.
Request an Accounting of Disclosures You may request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your information.
Request Restrictions You may request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures. We are not required to agree to requested restrictions, except we must agree to restrict disclosures to a health plan for payment or health care operations if: The disclosure is not otherwise required by law; and The information relates solely to a service you paid for in full out-of-pocket.
Request Confidential Communications You may request that we communicate with you in a specific way (for example, by mail instead of phone).
Receive a Paper Copy You may request a paper copy of this Notice at any time. To exercise any of these rights, contact the Administrator using the information below.
COMPLAINTS If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with either:
Administrator U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Ralls County Health Department Office for Civil Rights Phone: 573-985-7121 www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/ 16369 Business 61, New London, MO 63459
You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.
