Notice of Privacy Practices

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.

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

At Happy Smiles Orthodontics, we are committed to protecting your health information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

1. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Get a copy of your medical record
  • Correct your medical record
  • Request confidential communications
  • Ask us to limit the information we share
  • Get a list of those with whom we’ve shared your information
  • Get a copy of this privacy notice
  • Choose someone to act for you
  • File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

2. Our Uses and Disclosures

We may use and share your information as we:

  • Treat you and communicate with other healthcare providers
  • Run our practice, improve care, and contact you when necessary
  • Bill for your services and work with insurance providers
  • Help with public health and safety issues
  • Do research under certain approved conditions
  • Comply with the law
  • Respond to organ and tissue donation requests
  • Work with a medical examiner or funeral director
  • Address workers’ compensation, law enforcement, and other government requests
  • Respond to lawsuits and legal actions

3. Our Responsibilities

We are required by law to:

  • Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information
  • Inform you promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised your information
  • Follow the duties and privacy practices described in this notice
  • Not use or share your information other than as described here unless you provide written authorization

4. Changes to This Notice

We may change the terms of this notice, and the changes will apply to all information we have about you. The new notice will be available upon request, in our office, and on our website.

5. Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.

6. Contact Us

To request records, ask questions, or file a complaint, contact:

Privacy Officer
Happy Smiles Orthodontics
206 Ashourian Ave
Ste 211
St. Augustine, FL 32092