NOTICE OF INFORMATION PRACTICES

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION.
REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
(THIS NOTICE IS EFFECTIVE BEGINNING APRIL 14TH, 2003)

This facility creates records on each resident that receives care here. These records relate to the medical history, treatment and payment for health care of that resident. In addition, the medical record is used for planning care and treatment, as a communications tool between health care
professionals providing and assisting in that care, as a legal document describing care rendered, as verification that services billed were provided and as a source of information for public health
officials, health care education, quality assessment/quality improvement and facility planning.

The facility is required by law to give the resident/responsible party this notice.

Facility Responsibilities
Federal law requires the facility, as a covered health care provider to:
-Maintain the privacy of the resident's personal health information in accordance with federal and   
  state law(s).
-Provide the resident/responsible party with a notice of the facility's legal requirements and
  privacy practices with regards to the information gathered and maintained about the resident.
-If authorized under law to release health information without the resident/responsible party's
  authorization to accomodate reasonable requests to restrict use and disclosure of said health
  information.
-Accommodate reasonable requests to communicate health information by other means or at
  alternative locations.
-Abide by the terms of this notice.

The facility will not use or disclose the resident's health information, except as stated in this notice, without prior authorization by the resident/responsible party.

The facility reserves the right to change its policies and practices regarding the use and disclosure of health information at any time and in accordance with law. Should such changes occur, the
resident/responsible party will receive the revised notice and the revised notice will be posted and made available from the business office.

How Health Information May Be Used And Disclosed
Treatment: Health information will be used for treatment purposes. Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers and etc. will use, collect and disclose health information in order to provide continuity of care between departments within the facility and to members of the outside health care community involved in the treatment and transfer of the resident.
Payment: Health information will be used for payment purposes. It is necessary for the facility to release health information to the resident, insurance companies and third party payers in order to collect payment for services and treatment provided. This information may be required prior to treatment and services in order to receive authorization for treatment and services.
Health Care Operations: Health information will be used for health care operations. This will
assist in facility quality assurance, quality improvement, education and risk management
procedures for example.
Directory: Unless the resident/responsible party objects, the facility may use the resident's name, location in the facility and general condition for directory purposes. The directory may be provided to clergy and, with the exception of religious affiliation, to other individuals that ask for the
resident by name.
Notification: Unless the resident/responsible party objects, the facility may disclose information to a personal representative, familiy member or other person(s) as it relates to the care of the resident.