NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

Alex Speech Therapy, INC
118 Great Road, Stow, MA 01775
Phone: 732-829-9030
Email: annie@alexspeechtherapy.com
Privacy Contact: Ann Alexopoulos, SLP/Owner

Effective Date: February 16, 2026

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

OUR PLEDGE REGARDING YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION

We understand that health information about you and your health care is personal. We are committed to protecting your health information. We create a record of the care and services you receive at Alex Speech Therapy, INC. This notice applies to all records of your care generated by this practice.

We are required by law to:

• Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI)

• Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices

• Notify you if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your PHI

• Follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect

We may change the terms of this Notice, and the changes will apply to all information we have about you. The new Notice will be available in our office and on our website.

HOW WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION

We typically use or share your health information in the following ways:

For Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations:
We can use and share your PHI without your written authorization to provide care, bill for services, and manage our practice. For example, we may consult with other health care providers regarding your care, bill your insurance, or conduct quality improvement activities.

For Other Permitted Purposes:
We may also use or disclose your PHI without your authorization for:

• Public health and safety activities (e.g., reporting abuse or neglect)

• Health oversight activities (e.g., audits, investigations)

• Judicial and administrative proceedings (e.g., in response to court orders)

• Law enforcement purposes (e.g., reporting certain crimes)

• Coroners, medical examiners, and funeral directors as required by law

• Research (under certain conditions)

• Specialized government functions (e.g., military, national security)

• Workers’ compensation

• Appointment reminders and information about treatment alternatives or health-related benefits

USES AND DISCLOSURES THAT REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION

We must obtain your written permission for:

• Most uses and disclosures of psychotherapy or session notes, unless permitted by law

• Most uses and disclosures of PHI for marketing purposes or sale of PHI

• Most uses and disclosures of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records protected under 42 CFR Part 2 (see below)

• Any other uses and disclosures not described in this Notice

If you provide authorization, you may revoke it at any time in writing.

USES AND DISCLOSURES WHERE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO OBJECT

We may share your PHI with family, friends, or others involved in your care or payment for your care, unless you object. You may also object to certain disclosures in emergency situations.

SPECIAL PROTECTIONS FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RECORDS (42 CFR PART 2)

Some health records, especially those related to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, are protected by federal law (42 CFR Part 2). These records may not be used or disclosed without your written consent, except as permitted by law.
Federal law prohibits further disclosure of this information unless permitted by written consent or law. A general authorization for the release of medical or other information is NOT sufficient for this purpose.

SPECIAL PROTECTIONS FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE INFORMATION

We will not use or disclose your PHI for investigations or proceedings related to seeking, obtaining, providing, or facilitating reproductive health care that is lawful under the circumstances in which it is provided. You have the right to request restrictions on such disclosures. We will comply with your request unless disclosure is required by law.

YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION

You have the following rights regarding your PHI:

• Right to Inspect and Obtain a Copy: You may see and get a paper or electronic copy of your medical records and other health information we have about you. You may also direct us to send a copy to a third party of your choosing.

• Right to Request a Restriction: You may ask us not to use or share certain health information for treatment, payment, or our operations. We are not required to agree, except if you pay for a service out-of-pocket in full and request that we not share information about that service with your health plan, unless required by law.

• Right to Request Confidential Communications: You may ask us to contact you in a specific way (e.g., home or office phone) or to send mail to a different address.

• Right to Amend: You may ask us to correct information you think is incorrect or incomplete.

• Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You may request a list of disclosures of your PHI made in the past six years, except for disclosures for treatment, payment, health care operations, or those you authorized.

• Right to a Paper or Electronic Copy of this Notice: You may request a paper copy of this Notice at any time, even if you have agreed to receive it electronically.

TELEHEALTH

If you receive services by telehealth, your health information is protected with the same privacy and security standards as in-person services.

BREACH NOTIFICATION

You have the right to be notified if there is a breach of your unsecured protected health information.

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

To file a complaint with us:
Contact: Ann Alexopoulos, SLP/Owner
Alex Speech Therapy, INC
118 Great Road, Stow, MA 01775
Phone: 732-829-9030
Email: annie@alexspeechtherapy.com

To file a complaint with HHS:
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
Phone: 1-877-696-6775
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint/index.html

You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions about this Notice, please contact:
Ann Alexopoulos, SLP/Owner
732-829-9030
annie@alexspeechtherapy.com