Notice of Privacy Practices
Effective Date: September 16, 2026
Your Information. Your Rights. Our Responsibilities.
This notice describes how health information about you may be used and disclosed and how you may access this information.
Please review it carefully.
Your Rights
You have certain rights regarding your health information.
Get a copy of your health record
You may request an electronic or paper copy of your health information.
In most circumstances, a copy or summary will be provided within the time required by law. A reasonable, cost-based fee may apply when permitted.
Ask for a correction
You may ask for information in your health record to be corrected if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.
A request may be denied in certain circumstances, but you will be provided with an explanation when required.
Request confidential communication
You may ask to be contacted in a specific way or at a specific location.
Reasonable requests will be accommodated when possible and as required by law.
Ask us to limit what we use or share
You may request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your health information.
Vela Women’s Mental Health is not always required to agree to a requested restriction.
If you pay for a service in full out of pocket and request that information about that service not be shared with your health plan for payment or health care operations, the request will be honored when required by law.
Get a list of certain disclosures
You may request an accounting of certain disclosures of your health information made during the period allowed by law.
Get a copy of this notice
You may request a paper or electronic copy of this notice at any time.
Choose someone to act for you
If you have given someone medical power of attorney or another person has legal authority to act on your behalf, that person may exercise your privacy rights as permitted by law.
File a complaint
You may file a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.
You may contact Vela Women’s Mental Health directly or file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.
How Your Information May Be Used or Shared
Treatment
Your health information may be used or shared with other professionals involved in your care when appropriate and permitted by law.
Payment
Your health information may be used or shared for billing, insurance reimbursement, eligibility verification, or other payment-related activities.
Health care operations
Your information may be used for activities necessary to operate the practice, such as quality improvement, compliance, credentialing, administrative functions, and business operations.
When required by law
Information may be disclosed when federal or state law requires or permits disclosure.
Preventing a serious threat
Information may be disclosed when permitted or required by law to help prevent or reduce a serious and imminent threat to health or safety.
Abuse, neglect, or other mandatory reporting
Mental health professionals may have legal reporting obligations involving suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other circumstances defined by law.
Legal proceedings and law enforcement
Health information may be disclosed in response to certain lawful requests, court orders, subpoenas, or other legal requirements, subject to applicable federal and state protections.
Psychotherapy Notes
Psychotherapy notes receive additional protection under federal law. In most circumstances, a separate written authorization is required before psychotherapy notes may be disclosed.
Other Uses of Your Information
Uses or disclosures not otherwise permitted by law generally require your written authorization.
You may revoke an authorization in writing at any time, except to the extent action has already been taken in reliance on it.
Our Responsibilities
Vela Women’s Mental Health is required to:
Maintain the privacy and security of protected health information
Follow the duties and privacy practices described in the current version of this notice
Notify affected individuals following certain breaches of unsecured protected health information
Provide you with this notice describing legal duties and privacy practices
Notify you if a requested restriction or other privacy request cannot be accommodated when required
This notice may be updated if privacy practices or legal requirements change. The current version will be available on this website.
Questions or Complaints
For questions about this notice or to submit a privacy complaint, contact:
Vela Women’s Mental Health
Privacy Contact: Elizabeth Fiocca, LPCC-S, PMH-C
liz@velawmh.com
(330) 203-1029
You may also submit a complaint to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.