HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices & Privacy Policy

1. Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Bethany R. Russell, Ph.D. & Associates, P.A. (“Practice,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your protected health information (PHI) in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, and applicable Florida state laws (including Florida Statutes Chapter 491 and Chapter 456).

2. Permitted Uses and Disclosures of Protected Health Information

We may use and disclose your PHI for the following purposes:

• Treatment: Providing, coordinating, or managing your psychological, counseling, and behavioral health care with our clinical staff or qualified supervisors.
• Payment: Processing claims with your health insurance plan (e.g., Aetna, BCBS/Florida Blue, Medicare Part B, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Step Up for Students) or direct payments.
• Health Care Operations: Quality assessment, clinical supervision, internal audits, and clinical training overseen by Dr. Russell.

3. Mandatory Disclosures & Limits of Confidentiality

Under Florida law and professional ethical codes, confidentiality is strictly protected; however, disclosure without your authorization is mandated in specific circumstances:

• Imminent Harm: Clear and immediate danger of harm to yourself or others.
• Child, Elder, or Vulnerable Adult Abuse: Mandated reporting under Florida Statutes Chapter 39 and Chapter 415.
• Judicial Proceedings: Court order or legally binding subpoena.
• National Defense or Public Health: Circumstances explicitly authorized by federal regulations.

4. Electronic Communications, Voice AI (“Eve”), and Telehealth

Our website and digital intake systems employ transport layer security (TLS 1.3), encryption at rest, and strict access controls. Our conversational voice scheduling agent (“Eve”) operates under a confirmed Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with xAI, and does not record or retain clinical session transcripts. You have the right to request alternative confidential communications at any time.

5. Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

• Right to Inspect and Copy: You may inspect and obtain a copy of your clinical records, subject to professional assessment.
• Right to Request Restrictions: You may request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your information.
• Right to an Accounting of Disclosures: You may receive an accounting of non-routine disclosures made by the Practice.
• Right to File a Complaint: If you believe 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 (HHS). We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

6. Privacy Officer & Practice Contact Information