Statement of Privacy Practices

Nygaard Poovey, PLLC is dedicated to protecting the privacy rights of our patients and the confidential information entrusted to us.  The commitment of each employee to ensure that your health information is never compromised is a principle concept of our practice.  We may, from time to time, amend our privacy policies and practices.  A current copy will always be available for your review at our office.

We use and disclose the information we collect from you only as allowed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and the state of Washington.  This includes relating to your treatment, payment, and our dental care operations.  Your personal health information will never be otherwise given to anyone - even family members - without your written consent.  You, of course, may give written authorization for us to disclose your information to anyone you choose, for any purpose.

We will only request personal information needed to provide our standard of quality dental care, implement payment activities, conduct normal dental practice operations, and comply with the law.  This may include your name, address, telephone number(s), Social Security Number, employment data, medical history, health records, etc.  While most of the information will be collected from you, we may obtain information from third parties if it is deemed necessary.  Regardless of the source, your personal information will always be protected to the full extent of the law.

As stated above, we may disclose information as required by law.  We are obligated to provide information to law enforcement and governmental officials under certain circumstances.  We will not use your information for marketing purposes without your written consent. We may use and/or disclose your health information to communicate reminders about your appointments including voicemail messages, answering machines, and postcards.

Disclosure of Your Protected Health Information

As stated above, we may disclose information as required by law.  We are obligated to provide information to law enforcement and governmental officials under certain circumstances.  WE will not use your information for marketing purposes without your written consent.  We may use and/or disclose your health information to communicate reminders about your appointments including voicemail, answering machines, text messages, email and postcards.  We will never use, disclose, sell, or otherwise allow access to your personal, protected information in exchange for or receipt of financial renumeration.

Any breach in the protection of your personal health information, including unauthorized acquisition, access, use or disclosure, will be fully investigated, addressed, and mitigated as established by the HIPAA Privacy Breach Notifications Rule.  You have a right to and will be provided all information relating to any breach involving your personal PHI.

Patient Rights

You have the right to request copies of your healthcare information; to request copies in a variety of formats; and to request a list of instances in which we, or business associates, have disclosed your protected information for uses other than stated above.  All such requests must be in writing.  We may charge for your copies in an amount allowed by law.  If you believe your rights have been violated, we urge you to notify us immediately.  You can also notify the US Department of Health and Human Services. Please let us know if you have any questions concerning your privacy rights and the protection of your personal health information.                                                                                

Effective 4-14-03   Updated 7-01-2024