Notice of Privacy Practices
This notice describes how medical and mental health information about you or your child may be used and disclosed and how you can access this information. Please review it carefully.
Autonomous Behavior Solutions (ABS) is required by federal law (HIPAA) and California law (CMIA) to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (PHI) and to provide you with this notice of our legal duties and privacy practices.
How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information
We may use or disclose your PHI for the following purposes without additional written authorization:
1. Treatment
- To provide, coordinate, or manage ABA therapy and related services for you or your child.
- Example: Sharing information with BCBAs, RBTs, or consulting providers to ensure continuity of care.
2. Payment
- To bill and receive payment from insurance companies, Medi-Cal, regional centers, or other funding sources.
- Example: Sending treatment plans or session notes to an insurance provider for authorization or claims processing.
3. Healthcare Operations
- For administrative, quality assurance, training, or auditing purposes.
- Example: Internal case reviews to monitor treatment effectiveness.
Other Permitted or Required Disclosures
We may also disclose your PHI without written authorization in the following cases:
- Abuse or Neglect – We are mandated to report suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse to the proper authorities.
- Danger to Self or Others – If there is imminent risk of serious harm to self or others, we must take protective actions and notify appropriate parties.
- Legal Proceedings – In response to a valid court order, subpoena, or other legal process.
- Public Health and Safety – For public health reporting, health oversight activities, or to prevent a serious health threat.
- Workers’ Compensation – As authorized to comply with workers’ compensation laws.
All other uses or disclosures of PHI—including release of case notes—require your written authorization, which you may revoke at any time for future use.
Your Rights Regarding PHI
- Right to Inspect and Copy
- You may inspect and request a copy of your records, including billing information, within 15 days (California law).
- Mental health treatment notes may be summarized instead of released directly.
- Reasonable fees may apply for copying, mailing, or supplies.
- Right to Amend
- You may request in writing that ABS amend your records if you believe they are incomplete or incorrect.
- Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
- You may request a list of PHI disclosures for the past six (6) years, except those made for treatment, payment, operations, or with your authorization.
- Right to Request Restrictions
- You may request limits on how your PHI is used or disclosed. ABS is not required to agree but will discuss alternatives if we cannot comply.
- Right to Request Confidential Communications
- You may request that we contact you at a specific phone number, email, or mailing address.
- Right to a Paper Copy
- You are entitled to a paper copy of this notice at any time, even if you received it electronically.
Electronic Communication
ABS may use email, telehealth platforms, or other secure electronic systems to communicate PHI. By using these services, you acknowledge that while we take steps to protect your information, electronic transmission may carry some privacy risk.
Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:
Privacy Officer:
Autonomous Behavior Solutions
1403 Lomita Blvd, Suite 304, Harbor City, CA 90710
Phone: (323) 792-2540 | Email: info@autbsolutions.com
Or with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR):
www.hhs.gov/hipaa | 1-800-368-1019
We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint or exercising any of your HIPAA rights. Contact Information
Minimum Necessary Rule
ABS will make reasonable efforts to use or disclose only the minimum necessary PHI to accomplish the intended purpose.
End of Notice