NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND
DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION.
PLEASE REVIEW CAREFULLY.
Introduction
The Charles County Department of Health (CCDOH) is committed to protecting your
health information. CCDOH is required by law to maintain the privacy of
Protected Health Information (PHI). PHI includes any identifiable information
that we obtain from you or others that relate to your physical or mental health,
the health care you have received, or payment for health care.
As required by law, this notice provides you with information about your rights
and our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to the privacy of PHI.
In order to provide treatment or to pay for your health care, CCDOH will ask
for certain health information and that health information will be put into
your record.
The record usually contains your symptoms, examination and test results,
diagnoses, and treatment. That information, referred to as your health or
medical record, may be used for a variety of purposes.
CCDOH and its Business Associates are required to follow the privacy practices
described in this Notice, although CCDOH reserves the right to change our
privacy practices and the terms of this Notice at any time.
You may request a copy of the new Notice from any CCDOH agency. This Notice is
also available on our website at:
https://charlescountyhealth.org/notice-of-medical-practices/
Permitted Uses & Disclosures
CCDOH employees will only use your health information when doing their jobs.
For uses beyond what CCDOH normally does, CCDOH must have your written
authorization unless the law permits or requires it.
Uses and Disclosures Without Consent Relating to Treatment, Payment, or Health Care Operations
-
For treatment: CCDOH may use or share your health information
to approve or coordinate treatment.
-
To obtain payment: CCDOH may use and share your health
information to bill and collect payment for services.
-
For health care operations: CCDOH may use and share your
health information to evaluate the quality of services or for audits.
Other Uses and Disclosures Required or Permitted by Law
- Appointment reminders and program information
- Disclosures required by law
- Public health activities
- Health oversight activities
- Coroners, medical examiners, funeral directors, and organ donation
- Research purposes under appropriate supervision
- Averting a serious threat to health or safety
- Abuse, neglect, or domestic violence reporting
- Specific government functions
- Family, friends, or others involved in your care
- Worker’s compensation programs
- Patient directories (if maintained)
- Lawsuits, disputes, and claims
- Law enforcement purposes
- Business Associates performing permitted activities
- Fundraising activities (limited contact information only)
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Request restrictions on uses and disclosures
- Request confidential communications
- Inspect and obtain copies of your health information
- Request amendments to your health record
- Require authorization for certain uses and disclosures
- Receive an accounting of disclosures
- Opt-out of fundraising communications and health information exchanges
- Receive a paper or electronic copy of this notice
- Receive notification of a breach of unsecured PHI
- Receive protection of genetic information
- Receive protection of mental health records
For More Information
This document is available in other languages and alternative formats.
If you have questions, contact:
Charles County Department of Health
Phone: 301-609-6900
To Report a Problem About Our Privacy Practices
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint:
-
Charles County Department of Health, Division of Corporate Compliance
Phone: 1-866-770-7175
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights
CCDOH will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Effective Date: 11/10/2025
Acknowledgement of Receipt of This Notice
