Notice of Privacy Practices

Effective Date: January 1, 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.

1. Our Commitment to Your Privacy
We are required by federal and Massachusetts law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI), to provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices, and to comply with the terms of this Notice.

2.Uses and Disclosures of PHI
We may use and disclose your PHI for home care services, bill and obtain payment for services, health care operations, and as otherwise permitted or required by law.

We may also share with other providers involved with your care, communicate with family and friends assisting in your care, contact you about health services or agency fundraising (you may opt out), and work with business associates who follow our privacy rules.

3. Your Rights Under HIPAA
You have the right to access and obtain a copy of your PHI, request amendments, request restrictions on use/disclosure, request confidential communication methods, receive an accounting of certain disclosures, and obtain a paper copy of this Notice.

4. Massachusetts-Specific Privacy Protections
Massachusetts law provides additional protections for certain types of health information. In some cases, we may be required to obtain your written consent before using or disclosing this information, even for treatment, payment, or health care operations.

HIV/AIDS Information:  Information related to HIV testing, diagnosis, or treatment is protected under Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 111, §70F).

Mental Health Information:  Certain mental health records and psychotherapy notes receive special protection under federal and Massachusetts law.

Substance Use Disorder Records:  Records related to substance use disorder treatment that are subject to 42 C.F.R. Part 2 receive heightened federal protection.

5. Cybersecurity and Electronic Communications
We maintain administrative, physical, and technical safeguards designed to protect your PHI, including electronic PHI, in accordance with HIPAA, the HIPAA Security Rule, and Massachusetts data security laws (including 201 CMR 17.00).

Electronic Communications:
We may communicate with you electronically (such as by telephone, voicemail, text message, patient portal, or email) regarding your care, appointments, or billing unless you request otherwise. While we take reasonable steps to secure electronic communications, there is some risk that information may be intercepted.

Use of Mobile Devices and Remote Access:
Our workforce may access your PHI using secure, agency-approved devices and systems. Access is role-based and monitored in accordance with our IT/IS security policies.

Breach Notification:
We are required to notify you following a breach of unsecured PHI involving your information, in accordance with federal and Massachusetts law.

6. Our Responsibilities
We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your PHI and to abide by the terms of this Notice.

7. Changes to This Notice
We reserve the right to change this Notice. Any changes will apply to all PHI we maintain. Updated notices will be available upon request and on our website.

8. Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our Privacy Officer or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Privacy Officer Contact Information:
Care Central VNA and Hospice, Inc.
34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440
978-632-1230

Patient SMS Privacy Notice

At Care Central VNA & Hospice Inc. (CCVNA), we are committed to maintaining the privacy and security of our patients’ personal information. This Privacy Notice outlines our practices and your choices regarding the use of your information for SMS (Short Message Service) communications.

Opt-In: By providing your mobile number, you are opting in to receive SMS communications from CCVNA. These messages may include appointment reminders, estimated clinician arrival times, and other relevant updates. Your mobile number will only be used for healthcare-related communications and will not be shared with third parties for their marketing purposes.

Opt-Out: You may opt-out of receiving SMS communications at any time. To opt-out, reply ‘STOP’ to any message you receive from us or contact our office directly. Once you opt-out, you will no longer receive SMS communications from us. Please note that opting out will not affect other forms of communication such as emails or phone calls.

Fees: While CCVNA does not charge for SMS communications, standard message and data rates may apply depending on your wireless carrier and plan.

Privacy: We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your information. All SMS communications are compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which protects your health information from unauthorized use or disclosure.

Updates: We may change this Privacy Notice from time to time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting of the revised notice on our website.

By opting in to our SMS communications, you acknowledge and agree to the practices outlined in this Privacy Notice. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 978-632-1230.

Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to providing you with the highest level of service while respecting and protecting your personal information.