EIM Privacy Notice
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.
(CFR164.520, 522, 524, 526, 528)
In compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, Elder Independence of Maine (EIM) safeguards the protected health information of people who receive services coordinated by EIM.
Protected health information includes descriptive information that can be used to identify a person and that relates to the physical or mental health or condition, the health care provided to the person or payment for the health care. The protected health information includes information from the past, present, or future. The right to privacy continues after death.
You have the right to expect that only those individuals, organizations and/or agencies that have a need to know will be granted permission to use your protected health information, unless otherwise allowed by law or by your written authorization.
PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGED BY ELDER INDEPENDENCE OF MAINE
* Elder Independence of Maine maintains an electronic record for each consumer we serve. Included in each record is the information we receive from Goold Health Systems, who determines your eligibility for home care services and from the Office of Elder Services, who pays for some or all of your services. We in turn, share information about you, with them. We also share information about you with the companies and agencies that provide you with your home care services and with your doctor.
* Information that may be shared includes your name, address, birth date, phone number, Social Security Number, MaineCare Number, Medicare Number, health insurance policies, and cost of services. It also may include your protected health information, such as your medical, mental health, and social health conditions.
YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS
Although your health record belongs to Elder Independence of Maine, the information contained in it belongs to you. You have a right to:
* See and copy your protected health information.
* Ask Elder Independence of Maine to amend your protected health information, which is incorrect or incomplete.
* Ask for a list of occasions when your protected Health Information was shared outside of the routine conversations with people involved in your care.
* Ask for a limit on how we use and disclose your protected health information, except for the information involved in managing and paying for your home care services. Elder Independence of Maine is not legally required to agree with your request, but we will agree, when possible.
* Ask that Elder Independence of Maine communicates with you about your health in a way or at a location that will help you keep your information confidential such as at a different mailing address or calling you at a different phone number.
* Receive a paper copy of this notice. You may also obtain a copy from Elder independence of Maine’s website: http://www.elderindependence.org
* Receive a copy of changes in our privacy practices. Elder Independence of Maine will send you an updated Privacy Notice within 15 days, in the event of a change.
* File a complaint with Elder Independence of Maine if you believe your Rights to Privacy have been violated, by contacting our Privacy Officer at:
Privacy Officer
Elder Independence of Maine
PO Box 659
Lewiston, Maine 04243-0659
Telephone 1-888-234-3920
* File a complaint with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services if you believe your Rights to Privacy have been violated by contacting:
Secretary of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20201
Telephone 1-877-696-6775
ELDER INDEPENDENCE OF MAINE RESPONSIBILITIES
Elder Independence of Maine is required by law to:
* Maintain the privacy of your protected health information.
* Give you this notice of our legal responsibilities to protect your health information.
* Follow the terms of this notice.
* Not use or share any health information about you without your written permission, except for the purposes of managing and paying for your home care services and when required by law. If you cannot give your permission due to an emergency, Elder Independence of Maine may release the information if we believe it is in your best interest. We must notify you as soon as possible after releasing the information.
HOW ELDER INDEPENDENCE OF MAINE USES AND DISCLOSES PROTECTED HEALTH CARE INFORMATION
* Elder Independence of Maine may share some or all of your information with agencies or companies while arranging and managing your home care services. To protect your information, Elder Independence of Maine requires other agencies or companies to safeguard your information in accordance with the law.
DIFFERENT WAYS ELDER INDEPENDENCE OF MAINE USES AND SHARES YOUR PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION
For Payment: Elder Independence of Maine may use and share information about you so that it can pay for your home care services. For example, when you receive a home care service, your home care provider bills Elder Independence of Maine who in turn sends a bill for payment to the Maine Bureau of Medical Services or the Office of Elder Services for payment. The claim includes information that identifies you, as well as your diagnoses and treatments.
For Home Care Services and Medical Treatment: Elder Independence of Maine may use and share information about you so we can provide you with necessary medical treatment and home care services. This may include talking with your doctor, your home care agency, the hospital, and others who participate in your care.
For Grievance and Appeals Resolution: Elder Independence of Maine may use your health information to resolve any grievances or appeals initiated by you or your legal representative.
For Health Care Operations: Elder Independence may use your health information for quality improvement activities, risk management activities, staff training, auditing, and strategic planning.
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