Protecting Your Privacy and Security

Protecting the privacy and security of our patients’ protected health information is an essential part of Lucas County Health Center’s commitment to providing the best outcome for every patient, every time.

Across the United States, patient health information is protected by a federal law and related regulations commonly known as HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). HIPAA establishes minimum standards for how health information must be used, shared, and safeguarded. In addition, other federal and state laws may provide additional protections for certain types of health information.

As an affiliate of UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, Lucas County Health Center follows a comprehensive compliance program that includes policies and procedures designed to meet all applicable federal and state privacy and security requirements. Our team members receive ongoing education and training on patient privacy, and regular audits are conducted to ensure these standards are consistently met.

Our Notice of Privacy Practices explains how your medical information may be used and disclosed, as well as your rights regarding access to that information.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who will follow these privacy practices?
Our rules to protect your privacy are followed by all workforce members of the site where you’re treated, as well as clinicians and other healthcare practitioners with permission to provide services at our sites independent of a UnityPoint Health affiliate. For a fully list of the sites covered under the Notice of Privacy Practices, please see Addendum B in the Notice of Privacy Practices above.
How can Lucas County Health Center use your health information?
We may use or disclose (share) identifiable health information, for the following purposes or to the following entities:

    • Treatment, payment, and healthcare operations
    • Certain fundraising activities
    • Facility directory
    • Family, friends, or others involved in your care or payment for care
    • As required by law
    • Public health activities
    • Abuse neglect or domestic violence
    • Health oversight activities
    • Legal proceedings
    • Law enforcement
    • Corners, medical examiners and funeral directors
    • Organ donation
    • Research
    • Threats to health or safety
    • Specialized government functions
    • Workers compensation
    • Incidental uses and disclosures
    • Business Associates
    • Health Information Exchanges (HIE)


What are your privacy rights as a patient?
You have the following rights with respect to your health information:

    • The right to inspect and request your health information we maintain
    • The right to request restrictions on certain uses of your health information
    • The right to request an amendment of your health information
    • The right to an accounting of certain disclosures of your health information
    • The right to receive notice of a breach of your unsecured health information
    • The right to receive confidential communications and request different methods of communication


What if I live in a state with more protective privacy laws?
If HIPAA and another federal or state law conflict, we follow the law that is most protective of you in the state where you receive care.