Privacy Policy – Nor Cal Orthodontics

    Effective Date: June, 2025

    At Nor Cal Orthodontics, your privacy is a top priority. We are committed to protecting your Protected Health Information (PHI) in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), California state laws, and professional ethical standards.

    1. Our Legal Duty

    We are required by law to:

    Maintain the privacy and security of your PHI.

    Provide you with this notice explaining our legal duties and privacy practices.

    Follow the terms of this policy currently in effect.

    2. Your Rights

    You have the right to:

    Access your medical records – You may request to see or receive a copy of your PHI.

    Request corrections – If you believe your health records are incorrect or incomplete, you can request changes.

    Request confidential communication – You may ask us to contact you in a specific way or at a specific location.

    Limit what we use or share – You may request restrictions on how your PHI is used or shared.

    Get a list of those with whom we’ve shared information – You can ask for an accounting of certain disclosures.

    File a complaint – If you feel your rights have been violated, you may contact us or file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    3. How We May Use and Share Your PHI

    We may use and disclose your PHI for the following reasons without your written permission:

    • Treatment – To coordinate and manage your dental and orthodontic care.
    • Payment – To bill and receive payment from health plans or other entities.
    • Healthcare Operations – To improve care quality, train staff, and conduct audits.

    We may also use your information in other ways, including:

    • To comply with public health reporting (e.g., reporting diseases or injuries).
    • For law enforcement purposes or as required by law.
    • In response to legal proceedings or court orders.
    • For research (with appropriate safeguards or patient consent).
    • To prevent a serious threat to health or safety.

    4. Uses Requiring Your Authorization

    We will never share your PHI for marketing purposes, sell your information, or disclose psychotherapy notes without your explicit written authorization.

    If you provide authorization for a specific use or disclosure, you may revoke it at any time in writing.

    5. Data Protection Practices

    Nor Cal Orthodontics uses administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your PHI. These include:

    • Secure electronic record systems.
    • Access controls and staff training.
    • Confidentiality agreements with third-party service providers.

    6. Breach Notification

    If a breach of unsecured PHI occurs, we will notify you promptly, as required by HIPAA and California law.

    7. Changes to This Notice

    We reserve the right to change this privacy policy and apply the new terms to all PHI we maintain. Updated versions will be available in our office and on our website.

    8. Contact Information

    If you have any questions about this policy or want to exercise your rights, please contact:

    Nor Cal Orthodontics

    Citrus Heights: 8035 Madison Ave #C Citrus Heights, CA 95610

    Phone: (916) 965-8026
    Email: frontdesk@norcalortho.com

    You may also contact the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:
    Website: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa