HIPAA Compliance at Integrity Treatment Partners
Protecting your health information with the highest standards of confidentiality under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 federal regulations.
At Integrity Treatment Partners, your privacy is our highest priority. As a New York State OASAS-licensed outpatient addiction treatment provider, accredited by the Joint Commission we strictly adhere to all federal and state regulations governing the confidentiality of your health information.
This page explains how we comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and 42 CFR Part 2, the federal regulation that provides even stricter protections for substance use disorder (SUD) patient records. Our practices are reviewed by our Medical Director,Dr. Stuart Wasser, MD, and Clinical Director, Samantha Callister, LCSW, CASAC-M.
What is HIPAA?
HIPAA is a federal law enacted in 1996 that establishes national standards for protecting sensitive patient health information, known as Protected Health Information (PHI). HIPAA applies to healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses.
Under HIPAA, we are required to safeguard your PHI, limit how it is used and disclosed, and provide you with certain rights regarding your health information.
42 CFR Part 2: Enhanced Protections for SUD Records
Because we provide substance use disorder treatment, your records receive additional protections under 42 CFR Part 2, a federal regulation specifically designed to address the stigma associated with addiction. This means:
- Your SUD treatment records cannot be disclosed without your explicit written consent, except in limited emergency situations.
- We cannot share your information with employers, family members, law enforcement, or legal entities without your permission.
- Your records are protected from subpoena in most legal proceedings.
- Any disclosure requires a specific consent form that details exactly what information is shared, with whom, and for what purpose.
How We Protect Your PHI
We implement comprehensive administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your health information:
Administrative Safeguards
- Staff training on HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 compliance
- Designated Privacy Officer for oversight
- Regular policy reviews and updates
- Workforce access controls based on job function
Physical Safeguards
- Secure, locked facilities with controlled access
- Private consultation rooms for confidential discussions
- Secure storage for paper records
- Visitor management and identification protocols
Technical Safeguards
- Encrypted electronic health records (EHR)
- Secure email and messaging systems
- Password-protected systems with access logging
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
Business Associates
- All vendors handling PHI sign Business Associate Agreements
- Regular compliance verification of partners
- Insurance billing through secure, HIPAA-compliant channels
- Limited data sharing on a need-to-know basis
Your Rights
Under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, you have the following rights regarding your health information:
Right to Access
You may inspect and obtain a copy of your health records. We will respond to your request within 30 days.
Right to Amend
You may request corrections to your health information if you believe it is inaccurate or incomplete.
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of disclosures we have made of your health information for purposes other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
Right to Request Restrictions
You may request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your health information, including to family members.
Right to Confidential Communications
You may request that we communicate with you in a specific way or at a specific location (e.g., only at a particular phone number or address).
Right to Revoke Consent
You may revoke any consent you have given for disclosure of your SUD records at any time, in writing.
Uses and Disclosures of Your Information
We may use and disclose your health information in the following circumstances:
With Your Written Consent:
- Coordination of care with other healthcare providers
- Communication with family members or designated individuals
- Insurance claims and payment processing
- Referrals to higher levels of care or support services
Without Your Consent (Limited Exceptions):
- Medical emergencies: To prevent an imminent threat to your life or safety
- Child abuse reporting: As required by New York State law
- Court orders: Only with a specific court order that meets 42 CFR Part 2 requirements
- Qualified service organizations: Entities performing services on our behalf under strict agreements
- Research: With appropriate safeguards and institutional review board approval
Important: Even when disclosure is permitted, we apply the "minimum necessary" standard—we only share the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish the purpose.
Security Measures
Our facility and systems are designed with your privacy in mind:
HIPAA-Compliant EHR System
All electronic records are stored in encrypted, access-controlled systems with audit trails.
Staff Verification
All employees undergo background checks and sign confidentiality agreements.
Annual Training
All staff receive annual HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 training with competency verification.
Incident Response
We maintain a formal incident response plan to address any potential security concerns immediately.
Breach Notification
In the unlikely event of a breach of your unsecured PHI, we will:
- 1Notify you in writing within 60 days of discovering the breach, describing what happened, what information was involved, and steps you can take to protect yourself.
- 2Report the breach to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as required.
- 3For breaches affecting 500+ individuals, notify prominent media outlets in the state.
- 4Take immediate steps to mitigate the breach and prevent future incidents.
Contact for Privacy Concerns
If you have questions about our privacy practices, wish to exercise your rights, or have concerns about how your information has been handled, please contact us:
Privacy Officer
Integrity Treatment Partners
2250 Grand Ave, Baldwin, NY 11510
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Related Policies
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your confidentiality is protected. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you start your recovery journey.
Effective Date: December 19, 2025
