Notice of Privacy Practices
Effective Date: July 30, 2026
This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how your protected health information (PHI) may be used and disclosed, how you can access your health information, and your rights regarding that information. Connie Thorson Counseling is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal health information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable Washington State law.
1. Our Commitment to Your Privacy
Your privacy is an important part of your care. During the course of counseling, personal and health-related information may be collected to provide effective treatment, maintain appropriate records, and comply with legal and professional responsibilities. Every reasonable effort is made to protect this information and to ensure it is used only as permitted by law.
2. How Your Health Information May Be Used and Disclosed
Your protected health information may be used to provide counseling services, develop treatment plans, maintain clinical records, coordinate care when appropriate, and perform administrative functions related to your care. Information may also be disclosed for payment purposes, healthcare operations, or when otherwise permitted or required by law.
3. Situations Where Disclosure May Be Required
There are limited situations in which Connie Thorson Counseling may be legally required or permitted to disclose your protected health information without your written authorization. These situations may include complying with court orders or legal proceedings, reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, reporting abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults, responding to certain public health requirements, preventing a serious and imminent threat to your safety or the safety of another person, or complying with other legal obligations under federal or Washington State law.
4. Uses Requiring Your Written Authorization
Any use or disclosure of your protected health information for purposes other than treatment, payment, healthcare operations, or those otherwise permitted by law generally requires your written authorization. You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing, except to the extent that action has already been taken in reliance upon your authorization.
5. Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
You have the right to request access to your clinical records, request corrections to inaccurate information, request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures, request confidential communications through alternative methods or locations, receive an accounting of certain disclosures, obtain a paper or electronic copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices, and file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated. Certain legal exceptions may apply to requests involving psychotherapy notes or other information protected under applicable law.
6. Confidential Communications
You may request that communications regarding your care be sent to a specific mailing address, email address, or telephone number. Reasonable requests will be accommodated whenever possible to help protect your privacy.
7. Record Retention
Clinical records are maintained in accordance with applicable federal and Washington State laws and professional ethical standards. Records are retained only for the period required by law and are securely stored to protect your confidentiality.
8. Electronic Communication
While reasonable safeguards are used to protect electronic communications, email and other electronic methods of communication may not be completely secure. For your privacy, sensitive clinical information should not be transmitted by email unless appropriate safeguards have been established.
9. Changes to This Notice
Connie Thorson Counseling reserves the right to update this Notice of Privacy Practices as required by changes in applicable laws, regulations, or professional practices. The most current version will always be available on this website and will apply to all protected health information maintained by the practice.
10. Questions or Complaints
If you have questions about this Notice of Privacy Practices or believe your privacy rights have been violated, you are encouraged to contact Connie Thorson Counseling to discuss your concerns. You also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. Filing a complaint will not affect the quality of care you receive.