Notice of Privacy Practices for Your Medical Information

This Notice describes how health information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.

Your Privacy Matters

At Approved Assessments, LLC, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your health information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This Privacy Policy outlines how your health information is used, disclosed, and protected.

Who Has Access to Your Information

The information asked within our assessment is very sensitive and private. Only the counselor or the counseling services responsible for conducting your assessment will have access to your answers. We do not disclose your information to anyone without your explicit written consent, except as required by law.

How We Protect Your Information

We implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your health information, ensuring compliance with HIPAA standards. We take stringent measures to protect your privacy and prevent unauthorized access.

How We Use and Disclose Your Health Information

We use or disclose your health information as follows (in Minnesota we will obtain your prior consent):

How We Use and Disclose Your Health Information

Permitted Uses and Disclosures

1. Treatment: Approved Assessments holds this information for your counselor to review when formulating your treatment plan. Your counselor may use your health information to coordinate care through their companies or corporation. Approved Assessment does not share this information. 
2. Operations: We may use your information internally to improve our services and ensure quality care, such as how long it takes to complete an assessment or what questions might improve the output of the assessment. No personal information or identifications are used during these quality assurance activities. 
3. Legal Requirements: We may disclose information as required by law (e.g., compliance with HIPAA, court orders, or mandatory public health reporting).

When We Require Your Authorization

We will not use or disclose your health information for any purpose outside of treatment or operations without your written authorization. You may revoke this authorization at any time in writing.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

You have the following rights concerning your protected health information:

1. Access to Records: You can request to see or obtain a copy of your medical records and other health information. We will provide access within 30 days of your request.
2. Request Corrections: If you believe your health information is incorrect or incomplete, you can request an amendment. Approved Assessments may deny your request under certain conditions, but you will receive an explanation in writing.
3. Confidential Communications: You may request that we communicate with you through specific channels (e.g., via a specific phone number or mailing address).
4. Restrict Information Sharing: You can request limits on how your health information is used or disclosed. If you fully pay for a service out-of-pocket, you can request that we not share that information with your health insurer.
5. Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a record of certain disclosures we have made of your health information over the past six years, excluding disclosures for treatment or operations.
6. Copy of this Privacy Policy: You have the right to request a paper or electronic copy of this Privacy Policy at any time.
7. Choose a Representative: If you have a legal guardian or have given someone medical power of attorney, that person may exercise your rights on your behalf.
8. File a Complaint: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  You can also file a complaint with us by using the contact information below. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Contact Information:

Approved Assessments, LLC

4809 North Armenia Avenue

Tampa, FL 33603

(813) 296-2071

staff@approvedassessments.com 

Our Responsibilities

Protecting Your Information: We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your health information.

Notification of Breach: In the event of a data breach that compromises the security of your information, we will notify you promptly.

Compliance with Privacy Practices: We follow the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy and will provide you with updates if any changes are made.

Effective Date

This Notice of Privacy Practices is effective Feb 10, 2025.