ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY # 387
En Español

Summary Of Mercy Medical Center's Notice Of Privacy Practices

Mercy Medical Center is required to provide you with a notice of its privacy practices because of a federal law called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, known as HIPAA. Mercy Medical Center and the physicians, employees, volunteers and other health providers that we have relationships with are required to abide by the privacy practices that are explained in the Notice of Privacy Practices. The Notice of Privacy Practices (Notice) is a lengthy document, and this letter summarizes what is in the Notice. We suggest that you take some time to read the full Notice when it is more convenient for you.

State and federal laws regulate how Mercy Medical Center uses, releases and keeps your health information. When you come to Mercy Medical Center or seek health care services, you give our staff personal health information so that we can provide you with appropriate, quality medical care. We are permitted by law to use your health information for your treatment, to share your health information with other health care providers involved with your care, and to use your health information to obtain payment from your insurer or other payer. We also use your health information to run our business. Some examples of ways that Mercy Medical Center is permitted to use your health information include appointment reminders and quality improvement activities. Mercy Medical Center is also permitted to release your health information to members of your family or friends for continuing treatment; to visitors who ask for you by name; to clergy, funeral directors and organ procurement organizations; and to insurance providers.

Mercy Medical Center reports your health information to various organizations as required by state or federal laws. We are required to report births, deaths, communicable diseases, suspected child abuse, suspected neglect and medication and medical equipment recalls or problems to state and federal agencies. Mercy Medical Center is also required to provide your health information to state and federal health oversight agencies, courts, judicial systems, law enforcement officials and national security and intelligence agencies when requested.

You must provide written authorization for any other use or release of your health information that is not required or permitted by law. For example, we would need your authorization before we would use or release your health information in response to a request by an attorney to review your records for a proposed legal proceeding. Also, you may revoke an authorization at any time by writing to us.

You have certain rights regarding the health information we maintain about you, including the right to review your information and to make copies of it.

You have the right to ask that certain portions of your health information be amended or corrected if you feel that the information is incorrect; to place certain restrictions on who can use your health information; and to specify where you want your health information to be sent or communicated to you. You have the right to request a list of persons or entities that have seen your health information. You also have the right to file a complaint with us or with the Department of Health and Human Services if you feel that your rights may have been violated.

This is only a summary of the information contained in Mercy Medical Center?s Notice of Privacy Practices. We recommend that you take time to read the full Notice to become informed of our practices and the ways in which we may use and release your health information. If you have specific questions, concerns or complaints regarding this Notice, please contact our Privacy Official at Health Information Management, Mercy Medical Center, 1512 12th Avenue Road, Nampa, ID 83686, Phone 208/463-5768

View The Full Privacy Practice Policy