Notice of Privacy Practices
Effective Date: 03/28/2026
This Notice of Privacy Practices is provided to you as a requirement of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). It describes how I may use or disclose your child’s protected health information, with whom that information may be shared, and the safeguards I have in place to protect it. This notice also describes your rights to access or refuse the release of specific information outside of this system except when the release is required or authorized by law or regulation.
Who Will Follow this Notice
This notice applies to all therapy services provided by Texas Pediatric Speech Clinic, PLLC. It also applies to office personnel and billing personnel.
Our Responsibility Regarding Protected Health Information
Your child’s protected health information is individually identifiable health information. This includes demographics such as age, address, email address, and relates to your child’s past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition and related health care services. We are required by law to do the following:
- Make sure that your child’s protected health information is kept private
- Give you this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices related to the use and disclosures of your child’s protected health information.
- Follow the terms of the notice currently in effect.
- Communicate any changes in the notice to you.
We reserve the right to change this notice. Its effective date is at the top of the first page and at the bottom of the last page. We reserve the right to make the revised or changed notice effective for health information we already have about your child as well as any information received in the future. The new Notice will be available to you upon request.
Our System
Texas Pediatric Speech Clinic, PLLC works with several agencies and referral sources. We limit the use, access, and disclosure of your child’s protected health information to the minimum necessary to provide effective treatment and operate our practice. Your child’s health information will be shared in the following manner:
- Treatment – I will use and disclose your child’s protected health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your child’s health care and any related services. This includes disclosure to your physician or other health care providers who become involved in your child’s care.
- Within my office for administrative activities, quality assessment, oversight and peer review.
- With my billing personnel and as necessary to obtain payment for your health care services.
- With the referring agency and case manager, if applicable.
- With any other provider, school or agency with your written request.
You may request written or verbal information sharing in writing. Your request should include a specified period of time for information sharing.
Required by Law
I may use or disclose your child’s protected health information if law or regulation requires the use or disclosure.
I will notify the appropriate government authority if I believe a patient has been the victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
Health Oversight
I may disclose protected health information to a health oversight agency for activities authorized by law, such as audits, investigations, and inspections. These health oversight agencies might include government agencies that oversee the health care system, government benefit programs, other government regulatory programs, and civil rights laws.
Legal Proceedings
I may disclose protected health information during any judicial or administrative proceeding, in response to a court order or administrative tribunal (if such a disclosure is expressly authorized), and in certain conditions in response to a subpoena discovery request or other lawful process.
Parental Access
I may disclose your child’s protected information to parents, guardians and persons acting in similar legal status.
Uses and Disclosures of Protected Health Information Requiring Your Permission
In some circumstances, you have the opportunity to agree or object to the use or disclosure of all or part of your child’s protected health information.
Since this service may be provided in your home or other natural environments, those present during the session, including friends, family, or daycare providers may hear health information regarding your child. Please notify your therapist if you do not want your child’s protected health information to be discussed.
Your Rights Regarding Your Child’s Health Information
You may exercise the following rights by submitting a written request to Texas Pediatric Speech Clinic, PLLC.
- You may inspect and obtain a copy of your child’s protected health information that is kept as a part of medical and billing records.
- You may ask me not to use or disclose any part of your child’s health information for treatment, payment, or health care operations. Your request must be made in writing. This request will be honored if we mutually agree that the restriction will not harm your child.
- You may request that I communicate with you using alternative means or at an alternative location. I will not ask you the reason for your request. I will accommodate a reasonable request, when possible.
- If you believe that the information I have about your child is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment to your child’s protected health information as long as I am responsible for and maintain this information. While I will accept requests for amendment, I am not required to agree to the amendment.
- You may request that I provide you with an accounting of the disclosures I have made of your child’s protected health information. This right applies to certain disclosures made for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations as described in this Notice of Privacy Practices. The disclosure must have been made no more than six (6) years prior to the date of your request. This right excludes disclosures made to you or authorized by you, to family members or friends involved in your child’s care, or for notification. The right to receive this information is subject to additional exceptions, restrictions, and limitations as described earlier in this notice.
Federal Privacy Laws
This Notice of Privacy Practices is provided to you as a requirement of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). There are several other policy laws that also apply including the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act. These laws have been taken into consideration in developing policies and this notice of how I will use and disclose your child’s protected information.
Texas Medical Records Privacy Act
Our practice follows Texas privacy laws, including the Texas Medical Records Privacy Act. These laws protect your child’s health information and, in some cases, provide even stronger protections than federal privacy laws.
We keep your child’s health information private and only use or share it when allowed or required by law, or when you give us permission. Everyone who works in our practice is trained on how to protect your privacy and keep information secure.
We take steps to protect your child’s information in all forms, including paper and electronic records. If there is ever a situation where your child’s private information is accidentally exposed, we will notify you as required by law and explain what happened and what steps you can take.
When Texas law provides stronger privacy protections than federal law, we follow the stricter Texas requirements.
Complaints
If you believe these privacy rights have been violated, you may file a written complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services. No retaliation will occur against you for filing a complaint.
Website Privacy Policy
This Website Privacy Policy describes how Texas Pediatric Speech Clinic (“we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, and protects information obtained through our website. This section applies specifically to information gathered via our website and should be read in conjunction with our Notice of Privacy Practices under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Information We Collect
We collect personal information only when voluntarily provided by you through our website. This may include:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Any information you choose to include in the inquiry/contact form
Submission of information through our inquiry form is voluntary.
HIPAA-Protected Communications
Our website inquiry form is designed to be HIPAA-compliant, and any protected health information (PHI) you submit through this form is transmitted securely and handled in accordance with applicable HIPAA regulations. However, please be aware that general website browsing is not a secure or encrypted process for transmitting sensitive health information.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information you provide to:
- Respond to inquiries and requests
- Communicate with you about our services
- Schedule consultations or provide requested information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
Website Analytics and Cookies
Our website may use basic cookies or analytics tools to improve functionality and user experience. These tools may collect non-identifiable information such as browser type, pages visited, and time spent on the site. This information is used solely for website performance and improvement.
Third-Party Links and Embedded Content
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or embedded content such as videos. These third-party sites operate independently and have their own privacy policies. We are not responsible for the content, security, or privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage users to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites they visit.
Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the information submitted through our website. While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the Internet is completely secure.
Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to:
- Request access to or correction of your personal information
- Request that we limit or discontinue communication
- Choose not to provide personal information through the website
For matters involving protected health information, please refer to our full HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
Children’s Privacy
Our website is not intended for use by children under the age of 13 without parental involvement. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate consent.
Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to update this Website Privacy Policy at any time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this Website Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us at:
Texas Pediatric Speech Clinic
830-360-8272
kelly.clark@texaspediatricspeech.com
These notices are effective in their entirety as of 03/28/2026.