HIPAA & Protected Health Information (PHI) Privacy Policy
Accolade Recovery, Inc. is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal and health information entrusted to us. This section explains how we handle Protected Health Information (“PHI”), including medical records, in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and applicable California law.
What Is Protected Health Information (PHI)?
Protected Health Information (“PHI”) is information that:
- Identifies or could reasonably identify an individual, and
- Relates to a person’s physical health, mental health, substance use disorder treatment, medical condition, healthcare services, or payment for healthcare services.
PHI includes, but is not limited to:
- Medical and behavioral health records
- Substance use disorder treatment information
- Intake forms, assessments, and treatment plans
- Billing, insurance, and payment records
- Electronic health information
How Accolade Recovery, Inc. Uses and Discloses PHI
We may use and disclose PHI only as permitted or required by law, including the following purposes:
Treatment
To provide, coordinate, and manage healthcare services, including communication among healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care.
Payment
To bill and collect payment for services rendered, including insurance verification, utilization review, and claims processing.
Healthcare Operations
To support essential business operations such as quality improvement, licensing, accreditation, audits, compliance activities, staff training, and administrative functions.
Legal and Safety Requirements
PHI may be disclosed without authorization when required by law, including:
- To prevent a serious threat to health or safety
- Reporting abuse, neglect, or domestic violence as required
- Compliance with court orders or lawful requests
- Public health reporting and oversight activities
Special Protections for Substance Use Disorder & Mental Health Records
Records related to substance use disorder treatment and certain mental health services receive additional protections under federal and California law.
- These records are not disclosed without written patient authorization, except where expressly permitted or required by law.
- Disclosures are limited to the minimum necessary information.
Patient Rights Regarding PHI
Patients have the right to:
- Access their medical and health records
- Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
- Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of PHI
- Request confidential communications (such as alternate contact methods)
- Receive an accounting of disclosures of PHI
- Receive a paper copy of our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
- File a complaint if they believe their privacy rights have been violated
Patients will not be retaliated against for exercising their privacy rights.
Safeguards & Security Measures
Accolade Recovery, Inc. maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect PHI against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure, including secure electronic systems, access controls, and staff training.
Breach Notification
If a breach of unsecured PHI occurs, affected individuals will be notified in accordance with HIPAA and applicable state law.
Contact Information
For questions about this policy, requests regarding PHI, or privacy concerns, please contact:
Privacy Officer
Accolade Recovery, Inc.
Phone: (888) 961-1469
Email: info@accoladerecovery.com
Patients may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if they believe their rights have been violated.
Updates to This Policy
Accolade Recovery, Inc. reserves the right to update this policy as required by law or operational changes. Updates will be posted on this website and apply to all PHI maintained by the organization.