This notice briefly describes how medical information about you may be used and shared and how you can get access to this information.  This is a summary; a more complete and detailed version of this can be found in our official “Notice of Privacy Practices” that is available at every NSCS site. It may also be accessed here in English and Spanish.

If you have any questions about the privacy of your information at NSCS, please contact the Privacy Officer:

Privacy Officer
265 Beach St.
Revere, MA  02151
617-912-7736

“Protected Health Information (PHI)” is the technical term for the health care information about you that we collect and maintain as part of your record as a client of NSCS.  It can include any information that can identify you and relates to your past, present, or future health, diagnoses, treatment, or payment for treatment.

Uses and Disclosures of Your Health Information with Your Permission – requires your signed authorization:

• If we were to use your health information for marketing
• If we were to sell your health information
• If we were to share your psychotherapy notes with anyone

SMS opt-in or phone numbers for the purpose of SMS are not being shared with any third party and affiliate company for marketing purposes. SMS Terms & Conditions are outlined below. 

Complaints

If you believe we have violated your privacy rights, you may file a complaint with us.  To file a complaint, please contact:

North Suffolk Community Services

Privacy Officer
265 Beach St.
Revere, MA  02151
617-912-7736

We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint

You may also file a complaint with the federal government through the Department of Health and Human Services. You can file a complaint (and find forms that you can print and mail) at the following web address: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints. You can also contact them at the phone number and address below:

Office for Civil Rights, DHHS
JFK Federal Building – Room 1875
Boston, MA 02203
(617) 565-1340
(617) 565-1343 (TDD)
(617) 565-3809 FAX

SMS Terms & Conditions

SMS Consent Communication:
The information (phone numbers) obtained as part of the SMS consent process will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

Types of SMS Communications:
If you have consented to receive text messages from North Suffolk Community Services, you may receive messages related to the following:

• Appointment reminders
• Follow-up messages
• Billing inquiries

Example: “Hello, this is a friendly reminder of your upcoming appointment with Dr. [Name] at [Location] on [Date] at [Time]. Reply STOP to opt out of SMS messaging at any time.”

Message Frequency:
Message frequency may vary depending on the type of communication. For example, you may receive up to 3 SMS messages per week related to your [appointments/billing, etc.].

Potential Fees for SMS Messaging:
Please note that standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your carrier’s pricing plan. These fees may vary if the message is sent domestically or internationally.

Opt-In Method:
You may opt-in to receive SMS messages from North Suffolk Community Services in the following ways:

• Verbally, during a conversation
• By submitting an online form
• By filling out a paper form

Opt-Out Method:
You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time. To do so, simply reply “STOP” to any SMS message you receive. Alternately, you can contact us directly to request removal from our messaging list.

Help:
If you are experiencing any issues, you can reply with the keyword HELP. Or, you can get help directly from us by calling 866-781-6727.

Additional Options:

• If you do not wish to receive SMS messages, you can choose not to check the SMS consent box on our forms.

Standard Messaging Disclosures:

• Message and data rates may apply.
• You can opt-out at any time by texting “STOP.”
• For assistance, text “HELP” or visit our Privacy Policy.
• Message frequency may vary