Clinton County EMS Privacy Policy

Introduction

Clinton County EMS (CCEMS) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our patients’ health information. This Privacy Policy outlines our practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of protected health information (PHI) in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state laws.

1. Definition of Protected Health Information (PHI)

Protected Health Information (PHI) includes any individually identifiable health information that we create, receive, maintain, or transmit, including but not limited to medical records, treatment information, billing information, and demographic data.

2. Information We Collect

CCEMS may collect the following types of information:

• Personal identification information (e.g., name, address, date of birth)

• Medical history and treatment records

• Billing and insurance information

3. Use of PHI

We use PHI for the following purposes:

• To provide emergency medical services and treatment

• To communicate with healthcare providers regarding patient care

• For billing and payment purposes

• To ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations

• For quality assurance and improvement initiatives

4. Disclosure of PHI

CCEMS may disclose PHI under the following circumstances:

• To healthcare providers involved in the patient’s care

• To insurers or third-party payers for billing purposes

• As required by law or in response to legal proceedings

• For public health activities, such as reporting diseases or injuries

• In cases of suspected abuse or neglect

5. Patient Rights

Patients have the following rights regarding their PHI:

• Right to access their medical records

• Right to request amendments to their records

• Right to receive an accounting of disclosures of their PHI

• Right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures

• Right to request confidential communications

6. Safeguards

CCEMS implements appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect PHI from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. This includes employee training on privacy policies and secure storage of medical records.

7. Compliance with HIPAA

CCEMS adheres strictly to HIPAA regulations, ensuring that all employees and contractors are trained in privacy policies and procedures. We regularly review our practices to maintain compliance and safeguard patient information.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy as necessary to reflect changes in our practices or regulatory requirements. We will notify patients of significant changes through appropriate communication channels.

9. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact:

Clinton County EMS
1501 S Jackson St

Frankfort, IN 46041

(765) 659-6310

10. Acknowledgment

By receiving services from Clinton County EMS, patients acknowledge their understanding of this Privacy Policy and agree to the collection, use, and disclosure of their PHI as described herein.