Privacy Policy

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

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

Union Mission, Inc. uses information to collect statistics for funding raising, quality assurance and administrative purposes. We do not disclose nonpublic personal information about staff, clients or volunteers, except as permitted or required by law.

Union Mission only collects information needed to determine whether it can provide assistance, meet your service needs and/or to locate the best assistance possible for your needs. Information may be shared with collaborative partners to meet your service need. Other uses or disclosures will be made only with your written authorization and you may revoke such authorization. Union Mission maintains physical, electronic, and procedural safeties that comply with basic standards to guard information.

Union Mission is required to maintain the privacy of protected personal information. Your communications are protected under the strictest confidence as allowed by federal law that governs the confidentiality and safekeeping of client records. These laws include: *Privacy Act. The Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, protects confidentiality and limits disclosure of records. *Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Records. Federal law, 42 U.S.C 290dd-2, limits even further any disclosure of information that identifies a client as an alcohol or drug abuser.

If we are asked to share information with others outside of the agency, we will require a written consent on a form signed by you. If we are billing a third party we must provide certain information concerning a diagnosis, services rendered and your identity. Your right to confidentiality and our ability to protect it are limited, as we are required by law to report the following:

1. Suspicions of abuse, serious neglect or sexual abuse of children, the elderly, or vulnerable (disabled) adults.
2. When life or health reasonably appears to be in danger such as suicidal or homicidal threats.
3. When subpoenaed by a Court of Law.
4. During required agency audits of our client records.
5. To medical personnel in a medical emergency
6. For the purpose of defending our agency or its employees in litigation.

Union Mission, Inc. and its staff must adhere to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information. Employees are bound by this privacy policy and are educated on implementing security principles and practices.
Any information that is provided to Union Mission by you will be shared only with your written permission (except as noted above) and you may revoke such authorization at any time. If you revoke your authorization we will not make any further uses or disclosure of your protected personal information under that authorization, unless we have already taken an action relying upon the uses or disclosures you have previously authorized.

You have the right to request an opportunity to inspect or copy your personal information used to make decisions about your care - whether they are treatment or payment of your care. You must submit your request in writing to our Corporate Compliance Officer as noted below. If you request a copy of the information, we may charge a fee for the cost of copying, mailing and supplies associated with your request. We may deny your request to inspect your records if your treating physician, psychiatrist, or health care provider determines that disclosure would be detrimental to your physical or mental health. A note to that effect will be made part of your record. If you wish to appeal such a denial than you may file a complaint as outlined below.

If you feel your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To file a complaint with us about privacy violations or ask questions, call, write or email:

Ms. LaVanda Brown
COO & Corporate Compliance Officer
Union Mission, Inc.
120 Fahm Street
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 236-7423
(912) 236-3907 (FAX)
lbrown@unionmission.org

All complaints must be submitted in writing, and our Corporate Compliance Officer will assist you with writing your complaint, if you request assistance. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint. The Corporate Compliance Officer will investigate the complaint and follow the procedures as stated in our Consumer Grievance Policy & Procedure.

Union Mission, Inc. reserves the right to change the terms of this notice and to make the new notice provisions effective for all protected personal information that it maintains. Revisions to the notice will be posted at www.unionmission.org with the date of the revision. Copies will be kept in the UMI Policy & Procedure Manual located at each site. You may obtain a copy of the current Notice of Privacy Practices by accessing our web site or by calling us at (912) 236-7423.

This notice is in effect as of May 3, 2006.