Notice of Privacy Practices

Our Legal Duty

We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information (PHI), to provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices, and to follow the practices described in this Notice. This Notice applies to all records of your care generated or maintained by the Henry Wise Wellness Center.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Get a copy of your medical record.
  • Correct your medical record.
  • Request confidential communication.
  • Ask us to limit what we use or share.
  • Get a list of those with whom we’ve shared your information.
  • Get a copy of this privacy notice.
  • Choose someone to act for you.
  • File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.

Our Uses and Disclosures

We typically use or share your health information in the following ways:

  • Treatment – To provide and coordinate your care.
  • Payment – To bill and receive payment from health plans or other entities.
  • Health Care Operations – For our internal operations, quality assessment, and staff training.

Reproductive Health Information – Special Privacy Protections

Under Maryland law and federal regulations (HIPAA Final Rule, 2024), we are prohibited from disclosing reproductive health care information—including information related to abortion, miscarriage, contraception, fertility care, and pregnancy outcomes—without your explicit written authorization, unless required by law.

We will NOT share your reproductive health information:

  • With law enforcement or government agencies from states where reproductive services are restricted, unless you provide written authorization or there is a valid Federal or Maryland court order.
  • For civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings that seek to investigate or prosecute reproductive care legally provided in Maryland or another state.

Maryland-Specific Protections

  • Maryland law protects access to reproductive health care, including abortion and gender-affirming care.
  • We will not respond to out-of-state subpoenas or requests related to reproductive care provided in Maryland unless accompanied by a valid Federal or Maryland court order.

When We May or Must Share Your Information

We may or must share your information in certain situations:

  • Public health and safety issues (e.g., reporting certain diseases).
  • Health oversight activities (audits, investigations).
  • Research (with safeguards).
  • Organ and tissue donation.
  • Workers’ compensation, law enforcement (limited).
  • Responding to lawsuits and legal actions (only when legally permitted).


Note: Reproductive health information will only be disclosed under these categories if legally permitted and in accordance with Maryland law and your rights under the HHS Final Rule to support Reproductive Health Care Privacy (June 24, 2024) and the University’s X 3-00 Policy on Data Privacy.

Our Responsibilities

  • We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information.
  • We will notify you promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information.
  • We must follow the duties and privacy practices described in this notice and give you a copy of it.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you can file a complaint:

  • With us
    Malcolm Blow
    Chief Information Security Officer
    Bowie State University
    14000 Jericho Park Road
    Bowie, MD 20715
    mblow@bowiestate.edu 
  • With the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    Office for Civil Rights
    https://www.hhs.gov/ocr


This practice reserves the right to change the terms of its Notice of Privacy Practices and to make new provisions effective for all protected health/counseling information that it maintains. I understand that I can obtain this practice’s current Notice of Privacy Practices on request.