Notice of Privacy Practices
Who follows this notice
This notice describes the privacy practices of Hector L. Figueroa, LMSW, providing therapy services as Watchman Counseling. We are required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable New York State law to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information ("PHI") and provide you with this notice.
Our pledge regarding your information
We are committed to protecting your PHI. We will:
- Make sure PHI that identifies you is kept private (with limited exceptions described below).
- Give you this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices.
- Follow the terms of the notice currently in effect.
How we may use and disclose your PHI
For treatment
We may use your PHI to provide and coordinate your therapy. For example, we may consult with another provider treating you, or share information with a prescribing psychiatrist with your consent.
For payment
We may use and disclose PHI for billing purposes — for example, providing a superbill so you can submit it to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement.
For health care operations
We may use PHI to evaluate quality of care, plan our practice, conduct training, or fulfill clinical supervision requirements (with PHI minimized or de-identified where possible).
Other permitted uses
- As required by law — including reporting suspected abuse of children, elderly, or vulnerable adults; reporting certain communicable diseases; complying with subpoenas or court orders.
- To prevent serious threat — when necessary to prevent serious harm to you or others (consistent with NY mental hygiene law).
- For health oversight — to state licensing boards conducting audits, investigations, or inspections.
- To business associates — vendors who help operate the practice (e.g., EHR providers, billing services, scheduling tools), each bound by HIPAA Business Associate Agreements.
Uses requiring your written authorization
The following will only happen with your written authorization, which you may revoke in writing at any time:
- Most disclosures of psychotherapy notes.
- Use of your PHI for marketing.
- Sale of your PHI.
- Any other disclosure not described in this notice.
Your rights regarding PHI
- Right to inspect and copy your PHI (except certain psychotherapy notes). We may charge a reasonable fee for copies.
- Right to request amendment if you believe information in your record is incorrect.
- Right to an accounting of disclosures we have made (excluding those for treatment, payment, or operations) for the past six years.
- Right to request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures. We are not required to agree, but if we do, we will honor the restriction except in emergencies.
- Right to confidential communications — for example, asking that we contact you only at a specific phone number or email.
- Right to a paper copy of this notice, even if you have agreed to receive it electronically.
- Right to be notified of a breach of unsecured PHI.
To exercise any of these rights, submit a written request to the address below.
Complaints
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. There will be no retaliation for filing a complaint.
- With us: contact our Privacy Officer (below). We will investigate and respond.
- With HHS Office for Civil Rights: hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint or call 1-800-368-1019.
Changes to this notice
We reserve the right to change this notice and to make the new notice apply to PHI we already have as well as future PHI. We will post the current notice on our website with an updated effective date and provide a copy at your request.
Privacy Officer & contact
Hector L. Figueroa, LMSW · Privacy Officer
NY License #091675-1 · NPI #1801279963
Email: hello@watchmancounseling.com
Phone: (914) 712-8283
Mailing address available on request.