Southworth Associates Privacy Policy

Welcome to Southworth Associates. We value your privacy and are committed to safeguarding your personal information with transparency, integrity, and compliance with applicable regulations, including HIPAA. This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, share, and protect your information. Our goal is to ensure that your interactions with us are secure, private, and respectful of your rights.

1. Introduction

Southworth Associates specializes in providing healthcare-related services, and we are dedicated to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of our clients’ personal and health information. This privacy policy is intended to help you understand our practices concerning the collection, use, and protection of your personal information and to empower you to make informed decisions about sharing your data with us.

2. Types of Information Collected

We collect a range of information to enhance your experience with Southworth Associates and to deliver our services effectively:

  • Personal Information: This includes contact details such as your name, email address, postal address, and phone number, provided by you through our website or during communication with our team.
  • Health Information: As a healthcare-related provider, we may collect Personal Health Information (PHI) as required for our services, in strict compliance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Usage Information: When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain data about your device, browsing actions, and usage patterns for analytics purposes. This includes IP addresses, browser types, and pages visited.

3. How Information is Collected

We gather information through various secure and ethical means, including:

  • Directly from You: Information you voluntarily provide to us via email, phone, postal mail, or online forms, such as site registrations or surveys.
  • Through Website Interactions: Data may be collected as you interact with our website, including any forms or features you use. We do not use cookies to store personal information unless you provide explicit consent.
  • From Authorized Third Parties: Information may also be collected from third parties in connection with providing our services, in strict compliance with legal requirements.

4. Purpose of Data Collection

The information we collect is used to:

  • Enhance our services and improve the user experience on our website.
  • Provide healthcare services and manage the healthcare-related needs of our clients.
  • Comply with applicable healthcare laws and industry standards, such as HIPAA.
  • Communicate with you regarding updates, new services, or information you have requested.
  • Customize our communications to your preferences, ensuring you receive only the information relevant to your needs.

5. Data Security Measures

We are committed to maintaining the security of your information with rigorous safeguards:

  • Physical Security: Access to our facilities and data storage areas is restricted to authorized personnel.
  • Electronic Security: We employ state-of-the-art encryption, firewalls, and access controls to protect electronic data. Our systems are continuously monitored for potential vulnerabilities, and we update our protocols to keep up with the latest security standards.
  • Administrative Security: Our team is trained on privacy and security best practices, and we perform regular audits to ensure compliance with HIPAA and other relevant regulations.

6. Data Sharing

Southworth Associates does not sell or lease your personal information to third-party organizations for commercial purposes. Your data is only shared under the following conditions:

  • Healthcare Service Delivery: We may share information with authorized healthcare professionals or partners as necessary to provide the services you have requested.
  • Legal Compliance: We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to a valid legal process, such as a court order, subpoena, or regulatory requirement.
  • Service Providers: In certain cases, we may share data with third-party service providers who assist in our operations. These providers are bound by strict confidentiality agreements to protect your information and only use it for the purposes outlined by Southworth Associates.

7. User Rights

We believe in empowering you to have control over your personal information. You have the following rights regarding your data:

  • Access: You may request a copy of the personal information we maintain about you.
  • Correction: If any of your information is inaccurate or outdated, you may request that we correct it.
  • Deletion: You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, except where we are required to retain it by law.
  • Restriction: You may request that we limit the use of your information under certain circumstances, particularly when it involves PHI.
  • Opt-Out: You can opt-out of non-essential communications (such as marketing or event notifications) by following the instructions in our communications or contacting us directly.

8. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this privacy policy or our practices, please contact us at:

Southworth Associates

800 S Industry Way Suite 300A 

Meridian, ID 83642
[email protected]

(866) 460-9014

Our team is dedicated to addressing any concerns and ensuring your rights are upheld.

9. SMS Consent

By providing your cell phone number, you consent to receive text messages from Southworth Associates related to services you have requested or are currently receiving. Please note:

  • Standard Rates: Standard messaging and data rates may apply, depending on your phone plan.
  • Privacy Precautions: Text messages may be visible to anyone with access to your device. If you prefer secure communication, we recommend using our encrypted email or calling our office directly.
  • Confidential Information: Please do not send sensitive or confidential information via text, as it may not be secure. We provide secure channels for sharing PHI and other sensitive information.

10. Security of Your Information

Protecting your data is a top priority. We maintain physical, technical, and administrative safeguards that comply with HIPAA and industry best practices to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, or loss of your information. Our commitment to security includes regular security audits, risk assessments, and protocol updates to ensure continuous improvement.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Significant updates will be posted on our website, and you will be notified of any substantial changes that affect your rights or how we handle your data. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your privacy.

12. Your Rights Under HIPAA

As a healthcare-related service provider, we are committed to upholding your rights under HIPAA:

  • Access to PHI: You have the right to review and obtain a copy of your PHI.
  • Amendments to PHI: You can request amendments if you believe your PHI is inaccurate or incomplete.
  • Restrictions on Use: You may request specific restrictions on the use of your PHI.
  • Filing Complaints: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Thank you for entrusting Southworth Associates with your information. We are dedicated to providing safe and secure services that respect your privacy and enhance your well-being.