Privacy and Compliance
South Peninsula Hospital, Inc. (SPH), which includes Home Health (HH), Long Term Care (LTC), Outpatient Clinics and Outpatient ancillary services, is committed to protecting your privacy, the confidentiality of your health information and maintaining compliance with laws and regulations.
Privacy
SPH is required to notify you of our use of, and privacy practices regarding, your medical information. Our Notice of Privacy Practices is available in the Quick links on this page, from the SPH Privacy Officer and is offered to patients presenting for services as appropriate.
The Notice of Privacy Practice provides important information that describes (not all-inclusive):
- How SPH can use or disclose your information, with or without your consent
- Your rights under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- How to file a complaint if you feel your information has been disclosed inappropriately.
- How to request amendments to your Health Information
The Notice of Privacy Practices: Confidentiality of Patient Records Related to 42 CFR-Part 2 regulations for SPH Clinic Services is also available and describes (not all-inclusive):
- How your health information may be used and disclosed in regards to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) regulations
- Your rights to request or terminate restrictions of disclosures with respect to your health information
- How to file a complaint concerning a violation of the privacy or security of your health information or your rights concerning your information
- Your right to a copy of the notice, in paper or electronic form
Please be aware that federal privacy laws may prohibit us from releasing specific information about you, even to family members, without your consent.
Compliance
SPH maintains a Compliance and Ethics Program that outlines the seven (7) elements of a compliance program to ensure SPH adheres to relevant laws, regulations and ethical standards. The goal is to prevent and detect possible violations that could harm patients or the organization. Examples would include (not all-inclusive):
- Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA): Assuring patients presenting to SPH Emergency or Labor and Delivery Departments seeking care or presenting elsewhere on the hospital’s campus and requesting emergency care are accepted and evaluated regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.
- Red Flags Rule (Identity Theft Protection): SPH provides guidelines to staff for identification, detection, prevention and mitigation of identity theft in accordance to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003, Red Flags Rule.
For questions or concerns regarding the privacy or security of your health information or compliance concerns, please contact the SPH Privacy/Compliance Officer.