NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

Effective January 22, 2026

YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS

This Notice explains how your child’s Protected Health Information (PHI) may be used and disclosed, and how you can access this information. We comply with federal HIPAA regulations and the Texas Medical Records Privacy Act (Chapter 181). Improper use or disclosure of PHI may result in penalties.

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES

We are required to maintain the privacy and security of your child’s protected health information (PHI), provide this Notice of Privacy Practices, and follow the terms described in this Notice. This Notice applies to all PHI we maintain, whether oral, written, or electronic. We may change our privacy practices at any time as permitted by law, and any revised notices will be made available in our office, included in intake materials, and provided upon request.

We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your child’s information in accordance with federal and Texas law. We follow all federal and Texas privacy laws to protect your child’s health information. This includes HIPAA and the Texas Medical Records Privacy Act (Chapter 181). If Texas law is stricter than HIPAA, Texas law will apply.

USES AND DISCLOSURES OF YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI)

Your child’s protected health information (PHI) may be used or disclosed for purposes of treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. This includes providing dental care, billing, verifying insurance coverage, collections, quality improvement, audits, staff training, credentialing, and fraud prevention. In addition, information that does not identify your child personally may be used or disclosed for research, education, or other purposes permitted by law.

PHI may also be shared with parents, legal guardians, family members, or others involved in your child’s care or payment for care. Appointment reminders may be sent by mail, phone, voicemail, text message, or email, as permitted by law. Summary health information may be shared with employer-sponsored dental plans for plan purposes when allowed by law. We may also disclose PHI as required by law for public health reporting, to report suspected child abuse or neglect, in response to judicial or law enforcement proceedings, for government oversight activities, for workers’ compensation purposes, for certain research activities, and to protect national security.

All uses and disclosures are conducted in compliance with HIPAA and Texas privacy and reporting laws, ensuring your child’s health information is handled confidentially and securely.

BUSINESS ASSOCIATES

PHI may be shared with our business associates who perform services on our behalf. These business associates are required to protect your child’s information and may only use or disclose PHI as permitted under our agreements and by law.

USES REQUIRING AUTHORIZATION

All other uses of PHI require your written authorization. You may revoke your authorization at any time, except to the extent the practice has already relied on it. Authorization is required for marketing, fundraising, or other commercial uses. Your child’s PHI is never sold.

SPECIAL PRIVACY PROTECTIONS

Certain information receives additional protections, including substance use disorder records (42 CFR Part 2), HIV/AIDS, mental health, genetic testing, alcohol or drug abuse, reproductive/STD information, and abuse or neglect reports. Stricter federal or state laws take precedence.

DATA BREACH NOTIFICATION

You will be notified as required by law if your child’s unsecured PHI is accessed, acquired, or disclosed without authorization.

YOUR RIGHTS

As a parent or legal guardian, you have the right to see and obtain a copy of your child’s health records, request corrections or updates to those records, and request an accounting of certain disclosures of your child’s health information, including when and why it was shared.

You are entitled to receive this Notice of Privacy Practices, which explains how we use and share your child’s health information. You may decide whether to give your permission before your child’s information is used or shared for certain purposes, such as marketing.

You also have the right to request that we communicate with you in a certain way or at a certain location and to request limits on who may receive your child’s information.

You may submit a written request to our Privacy Officer to amend your child’s records. While amendments are not guaranteed, all requests will be reviewed and considered.

If you believe your rights are being denied or your child’s information is not being properly protected, you may file a complaint with our office or health insurer, or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

AVAILABILITY OF THIS NOTICE

This Notice is posted in our office, included in patient intake materials, and available upon request in paper or electronic form.

COMPLAINTS

If you believe your child’s privacy rights have been violated or your child’s health information is not being properly protected, you may file a complaint with our Privacy Officer or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. Filing a complaint will not affect your child’s care or treatment.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Privacy Officers
Jessica Creel — Primary Privacy Officer, Phone: 940-277-8760
Tess Ta — Secondary Privacy Officer, Phone: 940-277-8760

Adorable Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
3901 FM 2181, Suite #140
Corinth, TX 76210

Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Toll Free: 1-877-696-6775