Privacy Practices
Notice of Privacy Practices FAQs
What is the HIPAA notice I receive from HopeWay?
HopeWay is required to provide you with a notice that tells you how we may use and share your health information. It must also include your health privacy rights. In most cases, you should receive the notice on your first visit to HopeWay. You can also ask for a copy at any time.
Why do I have to sign a form?
The law requires HopeWay to ask you to state in writing that you received the notice. However, the law does not require you to sign the “acknowledgement of receipt of the notice.” Signing does not mean that you have agreed to any special uses or disclosures (sharing) of your health records. Refusing to sign the acknowledgement does not prevent HopeWay from using or disclosing health information as HIPAA permits. If you refuse to sign the acknowledgement, HopeWay must keep a record of this fact.
What is in the Notice?
The notice describes how the Privacy Rule allows HopeWay to use and disclose protected health information and 42 CFR Part 2 (Substance Use Records). It also explains that:
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Your permission (authorization) is necessary before your health records are shared for any other reason than as legally allowed per HIPAA,
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HopeWay’s duties to protect health information privacy,
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Your privacy rights, including the right to complain to HHS and to HopeWay if you believe your privacy rights have been violated, and
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How to contact HopeWay for more information and to make a complaint.
When and how can I receive a Notice of Privacy Practices?
You’ll usually receive notice at your first appointment. The notice is also posted in a clear and easy to find location in the Hopeway lobby where clients are able to see it, and a copy must be provided to anyone who asks for one. Additionally, the notice is available for review on the link below.
HopeWay Digital Privacy Policy
Effective Date: April 1, 2026
Purpose
This Digital Privacy Policy (“Policy”) explains how HopeWay (“HopeWay,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards information obtained through our websites and online services (collectively, the “Services”). This Policy applies to information collected through digital channels and does not replace or modify HopeWay’s Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) Notice of Privacy Practices (“NPP”), which governs how we use and disclose Protected Health Information (“PHI”).
By using the Services, you acknowledge this Policy.
Emergency / Crisis Disclaimer
HopeWay is not an acute psychiatric or medical facility. Do not use our Services (including forms, email, or messages) for emergencies.
If you are experiencing a mental health or medical emergency, call 911 or 988 (Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room.
HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
If information submitted through HopeWay’s online services constitutes protected health information, its use and disclosure are governed by HopeWay’s Notice of Privacy Practices.
Information We Collect
A. Information You Provide
We may collect information you voluntarily submit (e.g., through “Contact Us” forms, appointment request forms, or other web forms), such as name, email, phone number, and other information you choose to provide.
B. Information Collected Automatically
When you access the Services, we and our service providers may collect technical information such as IP address, device identifiers, browser type, pages viewed, and interaction data.
C. PHI Submitted Online
If you submit health-related information through the Services, that information may be PHI. The NPP explains how HopeWay may use and disclose PHI and your rights regarding that information.
How We Use Information
We use information collected through the Services to:
Respond to requests and provide information you ask for;
Support operations of the Services (security, troubleshooting, performance, and improvement);
Communicate about scheduling and service-related needs (where applicable);
Meet legal, regulatory, and accreditation obligations.
When information is PHI, HopeWay uses/discloses it as described in the NPP (including treatment, payment, health care operations, and appointment reminders).
Sale of Personal Information
HopeWay does not sell personal information collected through its websites, online services, or SMS communications.
HopeWay does not sell personal information as that term is commonly defined under applicable privacy laws.
Cookies, Analytics, and Similar Technologies
We may use cookies and analytics tools to operate, maintain, and improve the Services. You can adjust your browser/device settings to manage cookies; some features may be limited if you disable them.
Third‑Party Service Providers
HopeWay may use vendors to host, maintain, or support the Services and related communications. Where vendors perform functions involving PHI on HopeWay’s behalf, they must protect confidentiality and are required to safeguard information consistent with applicable obligations (including Business Associate arrangements when required).
Email and Unsecured Communications
Standard email and standard SMS/texting may not be secure. If you choose to communicate with HopeWay using these channels, you acknowledge that communications could be accessed by unintended parties. (For PHI-related protections and your communication preferences, see “Request that We Change How We Contact You” in the NPP.)
Your Choices and Rights
Depending on the nature of your request and the information involved, you may have rights under the NPP, including:
- Requesting confidential communications (different ways/places of contact)
- Requesting restrictions on certain disclosures (HopeWay is not required to agree in all cases)
- Being notified of certain breaches
- Filing a complaint without penalty
Regulatory / Accreditation Oversight
HopeWay facilities and services may be subject to review by state/federal agencies and accreditation representatives, who may review client health information as required for licensure, complaint investigations, or accreditation activities.
Safeguards and Security
HopeWay uses administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information collected through the Services. No method of transmission or storage is fully secure; therefore, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Changes to This Policy
We may revise this Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted with an updated effective date.
Contact Us / Complaints
For questions about this Policy or digital privacy practices, contact HopeWay at 980.859.2106 or feedback@hopeway.org.
HopeWay Digital Privacy Policy
HopeWay SMS Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: April 1, 2026
Overview
HopeWay may send text messages (“Messages”) to support care delivery and operations (e.g., scheduling coordination and other service-related communications). Where required, HopeWay will obtain appropriate consent consistent with applicable law.
Marketing texts: If HopeWay ever offers SMS content that constitutes telemarketing or advertising, such messages will require consent meeting the applicable legal standard.
Consent to Receive Messages
By opting in (or otherwise authorizing SMS communications), you provide prior express consent to receive Messages from HopeWay at the mobile number you provide, including Messages sent using automated technology, where applicable, to the extent permitted by law.
Consent to receive SMS messages may be obtained verbally, electronically, or in writing, consistent with applicable law and HopeWay’s Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP).
Consent is not a condition of treatment/services.
You represent that you are the authorized user or customary user of the number provided and you are permitted to grant this consent.
Sale of Personal Information
HopeWay does not sell personal information in connection with its SMS communications. See HopeWay’s Digital Privacy Policy for additional information.
Mobile Messaging Privacy
Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Mobile opt-in data and SMS consent will not be shared with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.
This applies specifically to SMS communications and overrides any general data sharing described elsewhere in this policy. Service providers that support SMS delivery are only permitted to use this information for operational purposes and are not allowed to use or share it for marketing or promotional purposes.
Message Content / Protected Health Information (PHI) Minimization
SMS is not a fully secure channel. HopeWay will limit SMS content and may direct you to more secure channels when appropriate. If you choose to receive Messages, you acknowledge the risk that Messages may be read by someone with access to your device or service. (For related HIPAA rights and preferences, see the NPP provisions on requesting confidential communications and appointment reminders.)
Not for Emergencies
HopeWay is not an acute psychiatric or medical facility. Do not use our Services (including forms, email, or messages) for emergencies.
If you are experiencing a mental health or medical emergency, call 911 or 988 (Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Opt‑Out / Revocation of Consent
You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any Message. You may also revoke consent by contacting HopeWay at 980.859.2106.
We will honor opt-out/revocation requests consistent with applicable requirements, recognizing that revocation may be made in any reasonable manner.
After opting out, you may receive a single confirmation message acknowledging your request (where applicable).
Help
For help, reply HELP or contact HopeWay at 980.859.2106.
Message & Data Rates / Carrier Liability
Message and data rates may apply based on your mobile plan. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Frequency
Message frequency varies depending on your relationship with HopeWay and your requested communications.
Privacy References
Use of your information in connection with SMS communications is subject to:
HopeWay’s NPP (when Messages involve PHI and HIPAA applies, including appointment reminders and communication preferences)
HopeWay’s Digital Privacy Policy (website and online tracking context)
Changes to Terms
We may update these SMS Terms by posting a revised version with a new effective date. Continued participation after updates constitutes acceptance.
If you are in crisis, please call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline