NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES & HIPAA

Revised: December 2024

This notice outlines how medical information about you may be utilized and disclosed and details the procedures for accessing this information. It is important that you review this document thoroughly.

*Compassion Home Care of Illinois, LLC will never share or sell your information for sales and marketing purposes under any circumstances.

This Notice pertains to clients receiving or previously received in-home care services from Compassion Home Care of Illinois, LLC. As mandated by law, we must safeguard the privacy of all information contained within our client records. This document will explain how we may use and disclose your protected health information. Protected health information encompasses any health related data about you that identifies you or for which there exists a reasonable basis to infer that the information could be utilized to identify you. Furthermore, this notice will outline your rights and our responsibilities concerning your medical information. It will also outline the process for resolving complaints should you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

YOUR CLIENT RECORD

We are dedicated to protecting your privacy. A client record will be maintained for each individual receiving home services. Your client record may encompass protected health information, including medical details from your healthcare provider or other related entities, such as notes concerning your symptoms, diagnoses, care, and proposed future care plans. This record will additionally contain pertinent identifying information, including your name, address, and telephone number(s); the name, telephone number(s), and address of your authorized representative, if applicable; details of an individual or relative to be contacted in an emergency; the Plan of Care agreed upon by you and the agency; a copy of this Client Service Agreement; and documentation of services rendered during each visit. The client Plan of Care will be revised as necessary, but not less frequently than once per year. All records will be retained for a minimum of two (2) years following the last date services were provided.

This notice is provided to inform you of the various ways we may use and disclose your information while also outlining our responsibilities regarding privacy practices and your privacy rights. The law mandates that covered entities maintain the confidentiality of protected health information. We will provide you with a paper copy of this Notice immediately upon request, even if you have consented to receive this Notice electronically. Please note that this notice does not constitute a contract and does not expand our obligations or create any rights not already established by applicable law.

OUR USES AND DISCLOSURES

The following categories will describe different methods through which we may use and disclose your information. It is important to note that not every potential use or disclosure within a given category will be detailed. We will adhere to the restrictions on such uses and disclosures as outlined in applicable law.

Our Typical Uses and Disclosures

We may utilize and disclose your health information for the following purposes without requiring your authorization:
1. Treatment: We may use your health information and share it with other healthcare professionals involved in your treatment. For instance, a physician treating you for an injury may inquire about your overall health status.
2. Operating Our Organization: We may utilize and share your health information to conduct our business operations, enhance your care, and contact you when necessary. For example, we may share information to improve and refine our services; assess and understand your experience through satisfaction surveys; ensure compliance with franchise and brand standards; obtain technical support, data backup, and storage; maintain business continuity; and perform recordkeeping. We may engage individuals and entities to carry out various functions on our behalf or to provide specific services, only after such third parties formally agree to contract terms designed to protect your information. These third parties may include global survey partners, technology companies that support our business operations, and various consultants.
3. Payment: We may utilize and share your health information to process billing and obtain payment from health plans or other entities and individuals. For example, we may share information with your long-term health insurance provider to facilitate payment for your services.

Other Potential Uses and Disclosure:

We may also utilize and disclose your health information for additional purposes without your authorization; however, specific conditions may apply before sharing.

1. Individuals Involved in Your Care: We may share information with family members, friends, or others who are involved in your care or payment for your care, using our professional judgment to determine that you do not object or that you instruct us to do so. If you are incapacitated or in an emergency situation and are unable to provide consent, we may share information if we believe it is in your best interest.

2. Public Health and Safety: We may disclose health information about you in certain situations, such as:
-Reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
-Preventing or mitigating a serious threat to public health or safety

3. Research: We may use or share your information for health research, but only when approved by an institutional review board or privacy board in compliance with applicable regulatory standards.

4. Compliance with the Law: We will share information related to you if mandated by state or federal laws, including with authorized regulatory authorities seeking to ensure our compliance with relevant laws and regulations. We may disclose confidential information concerning communicable diseases only as permitted or required by federal, state, or local law.

5. Organ and Tissue Donation Requests: If you are an organ donor, we may share your health information with organ procurement organizations as needed to facilitate the donation and transplantation process.

6. Medical Examiner or Funeral Director: Health information may be shared with a coroner, medical examiner, or funeral director in the event of an individual’s death.

7. Workers’ Compensation, Law Enforcement, and Other Government Requests: Health information about an individual may be utilized or disclosed, as authorized or mandated by law, for the following purposes:
-Workers’ compensation claims or similar programs.
-Law enforcement purposes or in collaboration with a law enforcement
-Activities authorized by law involving health oversight agencies.
-Special government functions, including military, national security, and presidential protective services.

8. Lawsuits and Legal Actions: Health information about an individual may be disclosed in compliance with a court order or administrative directive or in response to a subpoena.

Prior written authorization will be obtained for all other uses or disclosures. An individual may also initiate the transfer of their records to another party by requesting and completing a written HIPAA Authorization Release Form. Such written authorization may be revoked at any time, except where actions have already been taken based on it. To revoke a written authorization, please contact us in writing using the information provided at the bottom of this document.

YOUR RIGHTS

Access to Personal Records

Individuals have the right to request access to their personal health records, whether in paper or electronic format. To obtain a copy, please utilize the contact information provided below. Upon request, we will supply a Protected Health Information (PHI) HIPAA Authorization Release Form that delineates the information to be disclosed, the recipient of the information, and the authorization duration. We will review your request and typically provide either a copy or a summary of your information within thirty days. Please be advised that a reasonable, cost-based fee may be applied.

Request for Corrections

If individuals believe their health records are inaccurate or incomplete, they may submit a request for correction. In certain circumstances, we reserve the right to deny such requests; however, a written explanation will be provided within sixty days. For instance, a request may be denied if the information in question is maintained by another entity.

Confidential Communication Requests

Individuals may request that we contact them using a specific method (e.g., via home, mobile or office phone) or send communications to an alternative address. All reasonable requests will be considered.

Limitation of Information Usage and Sharing

Individuals may request restrictions on using or sharing certain information related to treatment, payment, or operational activities. For instance, if payment for care is made out of-pocket in full, individuals may request that such information not be shared with their health insurer for payment or operational purposes. While we may agree to such requests as mandated by law, we will not agree to limitations on sharing deemed necessary for providing care or for business purposes.

Disclosure History

Individuals can request a comprehensive list of disclosures of their health records made within the prior six years, detailing to whom the information was shared and the purpose of the disclosure. This list will exclude disclosures made for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, and certain other disclosures (including those initiated by the individual). One complimentary request may be submitted annually; however, a reasonable cost-based fee may be charged for any additional requests made within a twelve-month period.

Authorized Representatives

Individuals may designate someone to act on their behalf by submitting a written notice and documentation validating that individual’s authority to act for them. If the selected individual holds medical power of attorney or is the legal guardian, that person may exercise the individual’s rights regarding their health information. We will verify the authority of the individual before taking any action.

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES

We will promptly inform you, in accordance with legal requirements, of any breaches involving unsecured health information that may have compromised the privacy or security of your data. In such instances, we will provide you with details regarding the information affected, recommended steps you may take, and a summary of the actions being implemented to investigate the breach, mitigate any potential harm to you, and safeguard against future occurrences.

We reserve the right to amend the provisions of this Notice, which will apply to all information we hold about you. The updated notice will be available upon request, accessible on our website, www.compassionhc.com, or we will mail a copy to you.

ADDITIONAL LAWS

State and federal privacy laws may govern the handling of your information. We shall adhere to the more stringent privacy regulations when such laws are applicable. Several states impose specific requirements concerning the use and disclosure of information related to HIV/AIDS status, sexually transmitted diseases, communicable diseases, reproductive health, mental health, substance abuse, genetic information, and issues of abuse and neglect. In accordance with these laws, unless permitted or mandated by state or federal legislation to make a particular type of use or disclosure without your consent, we shall not disclose any such information without obtaining the necessary authorization as dictated by law.

Complaints

Individuals may submit complaints to the Agency and the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services if they believe their privacy rights have been infringed upon. To file a complaint with us, please contact Compassion Home Care of Illinois, LLC at the address below. All complaints should be submitted in writing. We will make every effort to resolve your complaint within a period of ten (10) business days. To submit a complaint to the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, please direct your correspondence to: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue S.W., Room 509F HHH Building, Washington, DC 20201. There will be no retaliation against individuals who file a complaint.

COMPANY & CONTACT INFORMATION

For inquiries regarding this Notice, please contact us using the contact information provided below.
You may contact us either by telephone or through mail at:
Compassion Home Care of Illinois, LLC
Attention: Privacy Team
4433 W Touhy Avenue, Suite 522
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
Telephone: (773) 599-9174

BILL OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

I. BILL OF RIGHTS

Compassion Home Care of Illinois, LLC is committed to delivering high-quality, respectful, and client-centered non-medical home care services. In accordance with Illinois law, clients receiving home care services are entitled to certain rights and responsibilities to ensure a safe, dignified, and transparent caregiving experience.

Client Rights

As a client of Compassion Home Care of Illinois, LLC, you have the right to:

  1. Dignity, Respect & Non-Discrimination
  • Receive care in a respectful and dignified manner, free from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
  • Be treated without discrimination based on age, disability, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, or any other protected status.
  • Have your cultural, spiritual, and personal values recognized and respected.
  1. Privacy & Confidentiality
  • Have your personal, medical, and financial information kept confidential, in compliance with HIPAA and agency privacy policies.
  • Refuse to allow the sharing of your information, except as required by law or necessary for the provision of services.
  1. Choice & Participation in Care
  • Receive clear and accurate information about the services available, including costs, agency policies, and procedures.
  • Participate in developing, modifying, or refusing your care plan and receiving services that align with your individual preferences.
  • Request a change in caregiver if a compatibility issue arises, subject to agency availability.
  1. Safety & Well-Being
  • Receive services in a safe, clean, and comfortable environment.
  • Be informed of any changes in caregiver schedules or service availability in a timely manner.
  • Have access to agency management to report concerns, complaints, or grievances without fear of retaliation.
  1. Financial Transparency
  • Be informed of service costs, payment policies, and billing procedures before receiving care.
  • Receive timely invoices and a breakdown of any applicable fees, including transportation or additional services.
  1. Complaint Resolution & Grievance Process
  • Express concerns, complaints, or grievances about care or services without fear of retribution.
  • Have complaints addressed promptly and receive a written response upon request regarding the resolution of grievance.
  • Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) or the Illinois Department on Aging if concerns are not resolved satisfactorily.

Client Responsibilities

To ensure effective service delivery, the Client (or their authorized representative) agrees to:

  1. Provide Accurate Information – Disclose relevant health conditions, mobility limitations, special needs, and medication use to ensure appropriate care.
  2. Respect Caregivers – Treat caregivers with courtesy, respect, and dignity, ensuring a safe and harassment-free working environment.
  3. Communicate Service Needs – Inform the agency of any changes in care needs, health status, or scheduling preferences.
  4. Follow Agency Policies – Adhere to the terms outlined in this Service Agreement, including financial obligations, cancellation policies, and caregiver limitations.
  5. Ensure a Safe Work Environment – Maintain a safe and clean home environment, including clear walkways and hazard-free conditions for caregivers.
  6. Timely Payment – Pay for services in accordance with the agreed-upon fee schedule and payment terms.
  7. Respect Caregiver Boundaries – Understand that caregivers cannot perform medical tasks, financial transactions, or any duties outside their authorized scope of care.

Clients must recognize the distinction between Medication Reminders and Medication Administration/Skilled Nursing to ensure compliance with non-medical home care regulations.

Medication Administration & Skilled Nursing (Prohibited Tasks): Compassion Home Care of Illinois, LLC caregivers are not permitted to administer medications or perform any tasks classified as skilled nursing, including but not limited to:

  • Preparing or measuring medication dosages (e.g., filling medication trays or pill organizers).
  • Administering injections of any kind, including insulin.
  • Managing or applying wound care, pain management treatments, or IV therapy.
  • Performing catheter care or any invasive medical procedures.

Medication Reminders (Permitted Tasks): Caregivers may only provide Medication Reminders, which are limited to:

  • Verbally reminding the client to take medications at scheduled times.
  • Handing the client a pre-dosed or pre-selected medication from a pill organizer prepared by the client, a family member, a nurse, or a pharmacist.
  • Observing and reporting if a client declines or forgets to take their medication, but without forcing or assisting them.