Notice of Privacy Practices

Some of your protected health information (PHI) may be subject to other laws and regulations afforded greater protection than what is outlined in this Notice. For instance, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and mental health information are often given more protection. In the event your Protected Information is afforded greater protection under federal or State law, Legacy Hospice will strictly comply with the applicable standard.

1. Your Rights Under Federal Law

Federal law (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) grants you specific rights with respect to your Protected Health Information:

• Inspect and Copy: You have the right to inspect and receive a paper or electronic copy of your designated medical and billing records. To do so, submit a written request to our Privacy Officer. Response will be provided within 30 days for on-site records (60 days for archived records).
• Request Amendments: You have the right to request an amendment to your health records if you believe the information is inaccurate or incomplete. Requests must be submitted in writing with supporting rationale.
• Request Restrictions: You may request limitations on disclosures for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, or to persons involved in your care. While we are not required to agree to all requested restrictions by law, we will accommodate all reasonable requests.
• Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to receive an accounting of non-routine disclosures of your PHI made in the preceding six years (one free request permitted per 12-month period).
• Confidential Communications: You have the right to request confidential communications by alternative means or at alternate addresses (e.g., cell phone only or private P.O. Box).
• File a Privacy Complaint: You have the right to express concerns or file formal complaints with our Privacy Officer or the Secretary of HHS without fear of retaliation or penalty.

2. Our Responsibilities

Legacy Hospice is required by federal and Arizona law to:

• Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information.
• Provide you with this formal Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices.
• Abide by the terms of the Notice currently in effect.
• Notify affected individuals promptly following any breach of unsecured protected health information.

3. Permitted Uses and Disclosures

We may use or disclose your health information for specific operational and clinical functions without separate written authorization:

• Treatment: Coordinating clinical care with attending physicians, medical directors, nurses, social workers, and contracted hospice pharmacies.
• Payment: Submitting claims to Medicare, Arizona AHCCCS, or commercial insurance carriers to verify eligibility and process reimbursement.
• Healthcare Operations: Internal quality evaluations, clinician credentialing, accreditation reviews, and mandatory state/federal compliance audits.
• Family Involvement & Notification: Sharing relevant care and comfort updates with designated family members or legal healthcare proxies unless specifically objected to by the patient.
• Public Health, Legal & Health Oversight: Reporting communicable diseases, reporting suspicion of abuse or neglect, cooperating with coroners and funeral directors, complying with valid court orders, and averting serious imminent threats to health and safety.
• Specialized Government Functions: Fulfilling military command requirements, national security obligations, and statutory workers' compensation programs.

4. Privacy Officer Contact & Inquiries

If you have questions regarding this notice, wish to exercise any of your privacy rights, or wish to report a privacy concern: