Notice of Privacy Practices
Your Information. Your Rights. Our Responsibilities.
This Notice explains how I may use and share your health information, your rights to access and control it, and my legal duties to protect it. Please read it carefully and keep a copy for your records.
Your Rights
You have specific rights regarding your health information. To exercise any of these rights, please contact me in writing at hello@brittanyvolpeitherapy.com.
Access Your Records
You can ask for an electronic or paper copy of your health information. A reasonable fee may be charged to cover copying or postage.
Requests may be denied if disclosure could endanger your life or another’s, though you may have the right to request a review of that decision.
Request an Amendment
You can ask to correct information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete. I may require a written request with your reason. If denied, you will receive a written explanation and may submit a statement of disagreement.
Request Confidential Communications
You can ask that I contact you in a specific way (for example, only at work or by mail). I will honor all reasonable requests.
Limit What Is Used or Shared
You can ask that your information not be used or shared for treatment, payment, or practice operations.
While I am not required to agree to all requests, I will comply when possible and when it does not affect your care.
If you pay for a service out-of-pocket, you can request that it not be shared with your health insurer.
Request an Accounting of Disclosures
You can ask for a list (“accounting”) of times your information was shared in the past six years.
The first list each year is free; additional requests may incur a reasonable fee.
Receive a Copy of This Notice
You can request a paper copy of this Notice, even if you agreed to receive it electronically.
Choose Someone to Act for You
If you have a medical power of attorney or legal guardian, that person can exercise your rights on your behalf.
File a Complaint
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with me at hello@brittanyvolpeitherapy.com, or with the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights
200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201
Phone: 1-877-696-6775 | www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints
You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.
How I May Use and Share Information
I am permitted under federal law to use and disclose your Protected Health Information (PHI) for certain routine purposes without your written authorization.
For Treatment
I can share PHI with other professionals involved in your care if you have signed a Release of Information.
Example: Your primary care doctor requests a summary of your treatment.
For Healthcare Operations
I can use PHI to manage and improve care, maintain records, or contact you.
Example: Sending appointment reminders or verifying insurance coverage.
Other Permitted Uses and Disclosures (Without Your Authorization)
I may use or disclose your PHI in the following situations:
Public health and safety: Reporting abuse or neglect, preventing serious threats, or complying with mandatory reporting laws.
Law enforcement or legal requirements: Responding to court orders, subpoenas, or legal investigations.
Specialized government functions: Such as military, national security, or correctional purposes when required by law.
Disclosures Unless You Object
I may share PHI with family, friends, or others involved in your care unless you object or are unable to state your preference.
Disclosures Requiring Written Authorization
Certain uses—such as psychotherapy notes, marketing, or the sale of PHI—require your written authorization. You may revoke your authorization in writing at any time.
Our Responsibilities
I am required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your PHI.
I will notify you promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised your information.
I must follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect and comply with all applicable federal and state privacy laws.
Where state law is more stringent than federal law, I will follow the stricter standard.
California and Tennessee Privacy Laws
In addition to HIPAA, I comply with:
The California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA)
The Tennessee Health Information Privacy Act
These laws provide additional protections for your mental health information. In Tennessee, your records will not be released without your written consent except as allowed by law (such as emergencies or court orders).
Electronic Communications
If you choose to contact me via email, online forms, or telehealth, please note that while I use HIPAA-compliant systems and reasonable safeguards, electronic communication may carry some risk of unauthorized access.
You may request alternative methods of communication at any time.
Retention of Records
Your health records are retained for the period required by law—typically at least seven (7) years after your last date of service.
Changes to This Notice
I may update this Notice periodically. Any updates will apply to information collected after the new effective date.
You may request a current copy at any time or view it online at brittanyvolpeitherapy.com.
Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions about this Notice or your privacy rights, please contact:
Brittany Volpei, LCSW
Email: hello@brittanyvolpeitherapy.com. Effective Date: November 6, 2025