Big Bend Hospice Notice of Privacy Practices 

 
Big Bend Hospice (BBH) takes the privacy of your health information seriously. The Hospice is required by law to maintain that privacy and to provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices. This Notice is provided to inform you about our duties and practices with respect to your information. 
 

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. 

Uses and Disclosures of Health Information 

BBH may use your health information for purposes of providing treatment, obtaining payment for your care, and conducting health care operations. Your health information may be used or disclosed for other purposes only after BBH has obtained your written authorization. BBH has established a policy to guard against unnecessary disclosure of your health information and does not sell health information. 

Important Updates under Part 2 (Substance Use Disorder Records) effective 2/16/26: 

  • BBH may receive records subject to Part 2 with your written consent, which allows future disclosures for treatment, payment, and health care operations. 
  • HIPAA-covered entities and business associates that receive Part 2 records under such consent may redisclose them according to HIPAA regulations. 
  • Part 2 records may not be disclosed for civil, criminal, administrative, or legislative proceedings without a separate patient consent or court order. 
  • Certain disclosures to public health authorities are permitted without consent if the data is de-identified under HIPAA standards. 
  • SUD counseling notes are treated separately and require a distinct consent. They cannot be disclosed under a broad treatment/payment/operations (TPO) consent. 
BBH May Use or Disclose Health Information For: 

1. Treatment 
BBH may use your health information to coordinate care within BBH and with others involved in your care, including your attending physician, members of the interdisciplinary team, and other health care professionals. With your authorization, BBH may also disclose information to family members or clergy. 

2. Payment 
BBH may include your health information in invoices to collect payment from third parties and may be required to share information with insurers to obtain prior approvals for hospice care and services. 

3. Health Care Operations 
BBH may use and disclose health care information for operations to facilitate Hospice functions and ensure quality care. Examples include: 

  • Legally required health care reporting 
  • Quality assessment and improvement activities 
  • Case management, care coordination, and protocol development 
  • Contacting patients or providers with treatment alternatives (not marketing) 
  • Staff training and performance evaluation 
  • Accreditation, licensing, and credentialing activities 
  • Compliance, auditing, and business management functions 
  • Fundraising communications (patients now have the right to opt out) 

4. Hospice Directory 
BBH may disclose your name, general health status, religious affiliation, and location in a hospice facility directory. You may request exclusion from the directory. 

Other Uses and Disclosures without Consent or Authorization 

BBH may disclose your health information in the following circumstances: 

  • As Required by Law – for Federal, State, or local legal requirements 
  • Public Health Risks – to prevent or control disease, report adverse events, or notify persons exposed to a communicable disease 
  • Abuse, Neglect, or Domestic Violence – to government authorities if required or authorized 
  • Health Oversight Activities – audits, investigations, inspections, licensure, or disciplinary actions 
  • Judicial and Administrative Proceedings – pursuant to a court or administrative order 
  • Law Enforcement Purposes – as required by law, for identification, or in emergencies 
  • Coroners and Medical Examiners – for cause of death determination 
  • Funeral Directors – to carry out duties regarding your funeral arrangements 
  • Organ, Eye, or Tissue Donation – for donation and transplantation purposes 
  • Research – with strict approval and consent for individually identifiable health information 
  • Serious Threat to Health or Safety – to prevent or lessen imminent harm 
  • Specified Government Functions – military, national security, protective services, and law enforcement custody 
  • Worker’s Compensation – to comply with applicable programs 

Part 2 Updates: 

  • Records protected under Part 2 must not be used in proceedings without a separate consent or court order. 
  • Investigative agencies have a safe harbor if they follow reasonable diligence steps before requesting records. 
  • Patients may file complaints directly with the Secretary regarding alleged Part 2 violations. 

Your Rights Regarding Health Information 

You have the following rights regarding your health information maintained by BBH: 

  1. Right to Request Restrictions – You may request limits on uses or disclosures of your health information. BBH is not required to agree unless the request involves a health plan for TPO purposes and pertains to items/services paid out-of-pocket in full. 
  1. Right to Receive Confidential Communications – You may request that BBH communicate with you in a specific manner or location. 
  1. Right to Inspect and Copy – You may inspect and obtain copies of your health information, including electronic records, subject to reasonable fees. 
  1. Right to Amend – You may request corrections to your health information. BBH may deny the request under certain conditions. 
  1. Right to Accounting of Disclosures – You may request an accounting of disclosures not related to TPO, including Part 2 disclosures when applicable. 
  1. Right to Opt Out of Fundraising – You may choose not to receive fundraising communications from BBH. 
  1. Right to a Paper Copy – You may obtain a paper copy of this Notice at any time. 
  1. Breach Notification – BBH will notify you if there is a breach of your health information that poses risk of harm, consistent with HIPAA requirements. 

Duties of Big Bend Hospice 

BBH is required by law to: 

  • Maintain the privacy of your health information 
  • Provide this Notice of its duties and privacy practices 
  • Abide by the terms of this Notice 
  • Notify you of any material changes to this Notice 
  • Allow you to file complaints with BBH or the Secretary of Health and Human Services if privacy rights are violated 

You will not face retaliation for filing a complaint. 

Contact Information 

For any questions or to exercise your rights: 
Nicole Holm, Chief Compliance Officer 
Big Bend Hospice 
1723 Mahan Center Blvd. 

Tallahassee, FL 32308 

850-878-5310 

Current Notice is also available at www.bigbendhospice.org 

Effective February 2026