This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information.
Understanding your Medical Record
A record is made each time you visit a hospital, physician, or other health care provider. Your symptoms, examinations and test results, diagnoses, treatment, and a plan for future care are recorded. This information is most often referred to as your “medical record,” and serves as a basis for planning your health care and treatment. It also serves as a means of communication among health professionals who may contribute to your care. It is important that you understand what information is retained in your record, to ensure its accuracy. This notice has been created to assist you in making informed decisions before authorizing the Baltimore Mental Health Systems, Inc. to disclose your medical information to others. Use or disclosure of your health information will follow Maryland law and/or Federal laws.
Understanding Your Rights
Your medical record is the physical property of the health care provider or facility that compiled it but the content is about you, and therefore belongs to you. Federal law gives you the following rights to:
Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your health information.
Request amendments to be made to your medical record. BMHS reserves the right to deny the request if the medical record was not created by our agency.
Review or obtain a paper copy of your health information. There will be no charge for the copy.
Request to be given an account of all disclosures of your health information made by BMHS after April 14, 2003. Exceptions include disclosures made for treatment, payment and functions performed by Business Associates (see explanation below).
Request to receive your health information by alternative means or sent to alternative addresses.
Revoke any future authorizations to use or disclose your health information.
Receive a paper copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices and/or an electronic copy by email upon request.
RequesOur Responsibilities
Baltimore Mental Health Systems, Inc. (BMHS) is required to maintain the privacy of your health information and to provide you with notice of our legal commitment and privacy practices with respect to the information we collect and maintain about you. This agency is required to abide by the terms of this notice and to notify you if we are unable to grant your requested restrictions or reasonable desires to communicate your health information by alternative means or to alternative locations.
BMHS reserves the right to change its policies and practices to enhance the privacy standards of all patient medical information. If applicable, BMHS will post policy changes on our web site and provide information about our customer service. Other than for reasons described in this notice, BMHS agrees not to use or disclose your health information without your authorization.
To view Uses and Disclosures, please click here.
To Report a Problem about our Privacy Practices:
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with this office by contacting the Chief Operating Officer at (410) 837-2647, or by contacting the Secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with no fear of retaliation by our staff. You may receive contact information by calling BMHS at the number above.
Effective starting April 5, 2003