Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 22, 2025
This notice describes how medical and personal information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully.

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Chemlu (including its DBA Maaluh and Lakulam Day Services) is committed to protecting the privacy of your health information and personal data. This Privacy Policy outlines how we may use and disclose your information and your rights regarding that information. This Notice applies to all Chemlu locations and services.

Legal Responsibilities

As required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), we are obligated to:

• Maintain the confidentiality of your Protected Health Information (PHI).
  
  
• Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices.
  
  
• Follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect.
  
  

We may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated policy will be posted on our website and available upon request.

What is Protected Health Information (PHI)?

PHI includes any information that identifies you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition and related healthcare services or payments.

How We May Use and Share Your Information

Without requiring your written permission, Chemlu may use and disclose your PHI for the following:

1. Treatment

To provide, coordinate, and manage your care. This includes sharing information with other healthcare providers, specialists, and case managers involved in your care.

2. Payment

To bill and collect payment from insurance companies, Medicaid, or other third parties.

3. Healthcare Operations

To support the internal functioning of our programs such as quality improvement, staff training, licensing, accreditation, and auditing.

4. Appointment Reminders & Services

To remind you of appointments or inform you of additional services that may benefit you.

Other Permitted Uses and Disclosures

We may also share your information in the following situations:

• Business Associates: With vendors or third-party service providers under a signed agreement.
  
• As Required by Law: For federal, state, or local legal compliance.
  
• Public Health & Safety: To help prevent or control disease, injury, or disability.
  
• Health Oversight Activities: Such as inspections or investigations.
  
• Lawsuits & Legal Disputes: In response to court orders or legal processes.
  
• Law Enforcement: In limited situations, such as locating a suspect or reporting a crime.
  
• Organ Donation: If you are a donor.
  
• Military and Veterans: As required by military command authorities.
  
• Worker’s Compensation: As needed for job-related injuries.
  
• Inmates or Legal Custody: If you are incarcerated or detained.
  
• National Security: To authorized federal officials.
  

Disclosures Requiring Your Authorization

Any other use or disclosure of your PHI not listed above will only be made with your written authorization. You may revoke this authorization at any time in writing.

Examples include:

• Use of PHI for marketing or fundraising
  
• Sharing psychotherapy notes
  
• Sale of PHI
  

Your Rights Regarding Your Information

You have the following rights regarding your PHI:

1. Right to Inspect and Copy

You may request access to your records in paper or electronic format.

2. Right to Amend

If you believe your information is inaccurate or incomplete, you may request an amendment.

3. Right to Request Restrictions

You may ask us to limit the use or disclosure of your information. We are not required to agree in all cases.

4. Right to Confidential Communications

You may request that we contact you in a specific manner or location (e.g., home vs. work).

5. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of times your PHI was shared for reasons other than treatment, payment, or operations.

6. Right to a Paper or Digital Copy of This Notice

Even if you have agreed to receive this notice electronically, you may request a paper copy at any time.

7. Right to Be Notified of a Breach

You will be notified in the event your unsecured PHI is accessed inappropriately.

SMS Text Messaging Terms

If you provide your phone number to Chemlu, you may receive appointment reminders or updates via text message. Standard message and data rates may apply.

• Your number will not be sold or used for promotional marketing.
  
• To opt-out, reply STOP to any message.
  

Questions or Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, or if you have any questions about this policy, you may contact us without fear of retaliation:

Privacy Officer
‍Chemlu / Maaluh / Lakulam
2 Garfield Road #201
Monroe, NY 10950
Phone: (845) 774-1422
Email: contact@maaluh.org