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Aviso sobre prácticas de privacidad

Effective: January 1, 2025

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

We will follow the terms of this Notice of Privacy Practices. We have the right to change this notice, and to apply the new notice to health information we hold. If we need to make changes, we will tell you. We will also tell you where to get the new notice on our website. If you ask us, we will send a copy to you.

If you are of the age and capacity to consent to sensitive services, you do not have to get any other member's authorization to get these services or for your doctor to ask us for payment. You can see more about sensitive services in the "Sensitive care" area of the member handbook.

What is the reason for this notice?

Kern Family Health Care (KFHC) must make your health information private. We must also tell you how we protect your private health information (PHI).

How does KFHC protect my privacy and data?

KFHC has policies and processes to protect oral, written, and electronic information about you across our company. These policies also apply to information about your race / ethnicity, language, gender identity, and sexual orientation. These policies show how we protect your data. They also state how it can be used, and how it cannot be used. Some of the ways we protect your information is by:

  • Having rules about who can see your information
  • Having safe methods for how we store paper and electronic information
  • Using identification badges and computer logins
  • Having security in our building
  • Training our team members
  • Many others

How does KFHC use information on my race/ethnicity, language, gender identity and sexual orientation?

We may use this information to…

  • Assess health care differences
  • Create special programs
  • Develop communications
  • Tell providers about language needs and pronouns
  • Help with clinical care

KFHC will not use this data for…

  • Decisions about coverage or benefits
  • Underwriting

¿Cómo usa y comparte KFHC mi información de salud?

KFHC stores health records about you like:

  • Claims history
  • KFHC enrollment
  • Administración de cuidados médicos
  • Requests for approving some health care services

We use this information and share it with others for…

  • Tratamientos. KFHC usa su información de salud para organizar y coordinar su atención médica. For example, we share information with hospitals or doctors to help them give you services.
  • Pagos. KFHC uses and shares your health information to pay for care you get. For example, we tell providers that you are a member of KFHC and tell them about your benefits.
  • Operaciones relativas a la atención médica. KFHC uses and shares your health information if we need it to help us run our health plan. For example, we use our claims data for quality purposes.
  • Contractors. We share health information with our others that help us in the tasks shown above. We get agreements before we share information to keep your data safe. For example, we may give some information to the company that helps us get you rides for your care.
  • Contacting You. We may call you or send you a text or letter to remind you about a visit. Or, to give you information about your care. También podemos contactarle para hablarle sobre otros servicios de salud.

Can others that help me with my care get information about me?

Yes, if we feel it is needed, we may give medical information to a friend or family member that helps with your care. Or when you have told us we can. We may tell them about your enrollment dates with us or that we paid for your care.

  • When someone gives us proof they are allowed to get your health information such as power of attorney or guardianship
  • If you are not able to give us permission. For example, if you are not conscious, we may share your information if we believe it is in your best interest
  • Or if it will help to lessen a serious threat to your health

Can my health information ever be given without my permission?

Sí, podemos compartir la información de salud sin su consentimiento. Health information can be shared for the reasons already listed. We can also share information with state or federal agencies. Or, other times where we must by law. We must meet many conditions before we can share your information for these reasons. The below website gives you more information on this:

www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/index.html.

We may be required or allowed to share health information without your consent:

  • When laws tell us we must
  • To help with public health and safety, like preventing disease, helping with product recalls, or if we suspect abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
  • For health research
  • To respond to an organ or tissue donation request
  • To work with a medical examiner or funeral director
  • With agencies responsible for audits
  • When we get a court order. Or when there may be fraud.

Are there any times when my PHI is not shared?

We follow laws that may limit how we use or share your information. For example, there are rules about sharing health information about:

  • HIV/AIDS status
  • Salud mental
  • Psychotherapy notes
  • Developmental disabilities
  • Drug and alcohol services

We will not allow the sale of PHI or other sharing or uses of your health information without you agreeing in writing.

¿Qué derechos tengo por ser miembro de Kern Family Health Care?

As a KFHC member you have rights:

  • You have the right for us to tell you if we have a breach or did not follow the laws.
  • You have the right to ask us to limit how we share or use your information. KFHC does not have to agree. We may say "no" if it would affect your care.
  • You have the right to ask us to use or share your information other than what is shown here. You have the right to change your mind by telling us in writing.
  • You have the right to ask us to give information to your family, friends, or others that help with your care.
  • You have the right to share your health information if you need help from a disaster.
  • Tiene derecho a pedirnos que nos comuniquemos con usted para las campañas de recaudación de fondos.
  • You have the right to ask us to contact you only by mail, or at another address, or by phone. We must say "yes" if you tell us you would be in danger if we do not.
  • You have the right to see or get a copy your records held by KFHC. You must ask us in writing. We will answer you within 30 days. If your records are in another location, please give us 60 days to give you an answer. We may charge a fee for copying your records. KFHC may also say "no" to your request. If we say "no," we will send you a letter with the reason. You have the right to appeal if we say "no."
  • If you think the information in our records is wrong, you have the right to ask us to change it. Podemos rechazar su solicitud. If we say "no," we will tell you why in writing within 30 days. If we say "no," you have the right to send us a statement add to the record.
  • Tiene derecho a recibir un informe sobre cualquier divulgación excepcional de su información de salud que hayamos hecho. You can ask for up to six years before the date of your request. Existen algunas limitaciones.

    For example, we do not have records of:
  • Information shared with your consent
  • Information shared for the treatment, payment, or the health plan operations of KFHC
  • Information shared with you
  • Certain other disclosures.

KFHC does not have full copies of all of your medical records. If you want to look at, get a copy of, or change anything in your medical records, please contact your provider first.

How do I access these rights?

You can access any of your rights by sending a letter to our Privacy Official at the address shown below. For help, call us at the phone number shown.

How do I file a complaint (grievance) if my privacy rights are violated?

You have the right to file a complaint with our Privacy Officer. También puede presentar una queja al secretario del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos.

KFHC will not hold anything against you in any way for filing a complaint. Filing a grievance will not affect the health care services you receive or your benefits.

Comuníquese con KFHC a la siguiente dirección:

Privacy Officer
Kern Family Health Care
2900 Buck Owens Blvd
Bakersfield, CA 93308
1.661.632.1590 (Bakersfield) or 1.800.391.2000 (outside of Bakersfield) TTY 711

Contact the California Department of Health Care Services at:
DHCS Privacy Officer
1501 Capitol Avenue - MS0010
P.O. Box 997413
Sacramento, CA 95899-7413
1.916.445.4656
1.866.866.0602
privacyofficer@dhcs.ca.gov

Comuníquese con secretario del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos a la siguiente dirección:
Secretary of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights
200 Independence Avenue SW
Room 509F, HHH Building
Washington, DC 20201
1.877.696.6775

Filing a HIPAA Complaint | HHS.gov

https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/laws/priv/Documents/Notice-of-Privacy-Practices-English.pdf.