february 2026 hipaa update
& Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
We are glad to provide you with excellent dental services while also respecting your privacy. This notice discloses the privacy practices for information collected by this website, including:
-what personally identifiable information is collected from you through the website, how it is used, and with whom it may be shared;
-how you can ensure the accuracy of the information;
-our security procedures designed to protect the misuse of your information; and
-your options regarding the use of your data.
Collection, Use, and Sharing of Information
Our website permits us to access information that you voluntarily give us via email or other direct contact from you. We are the sole owners of such information collected on this site; we do not sell or rent this information to anyone.
We use your information to respond to your inquiries and requests, primarily to ensure we are meeting your expectations for dental services. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill your requests and to provide you with outstanding care.
We may occasionally contact you via email to notify you of specials, new products or services, or changes to this privacy policy (unless, of course, you direct us not to).
Your Access to and Control Over Information
You may opt out of any future contacts from us at any time. By using the contact form on our website, you can:
-request a description of the information we have about you, if any;
-correct any inaccurate information;
-direct us to delete information related to you;
-and share any concern you have about our use of information.
Keeping Your Private Information Secure
In an abundance of caution, we suggest that you not use our contact form to email us confidential information. While we will not disclose such information to anyone beyond those necessary to facilitate our care of you, such information could possibly be intercepted in transit by unauthorized entities.
Dentist-Approved Cookies
While it may seem funny, our dental website uses "cookies." A cookie is a piece of data stored on a site visitor's computer or device to improve access to our site and to identify you as a repeat visitor. For example, cookies eliminate the need for you to log in a password more than once, thereby saving time while on our site. Cookies can also enable us to remember the interests of our patients to enhance their experience on our site. So our cookies are safe for your teeth and help us serve you better! Usage of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable information on our site.
links
We have linked our website to other sites that may be of help or interest to you. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of such other sites. Please be aware when leaving our site and read the other sites’ privacy statements to determine to what extent they collect or use personally identifiable information. We invite you to contact us if you feel that we can better implement this privacy policy.
february 2026 hipaa update
Notice of Privacy Practices
Practice Name: Brighter Days Dental
Address: 1295 Archer Drive | Troy, OH | 45373
Effective Date: 16 February 2026
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
Our dental practice is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your protected health information (PHI).
We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your PHI, to provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices, and to
follow the terms of this Notice currently in effect.
This Notice explains how we may use and disclose your PHI, your rights regarding your PHI, our legal duties, and whom to
contact for additional information or to file a complaint.
What Is Protected Health Information (PHI)
Protected Health Information (PHI) is individually identifiable health information that relates to your past, present, or future
physical or mental health or condition, the provision of health care to you, or payment for that care. PHI may be created,
received, maintained, or transmitted in any form, including electronic, paper, or oral communications.
Examples of PHI include, but are not limited to:
Your name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth
Dental and medical histories
Diagnostic images, X-rays, charts, and clinical notes
Treatment plans and progress notes
Insurance and billing information
Appointment and scheduling records
How We May Use and Disclose Your PHI Without Your Authorization
Federal privacy laws allow us to use and disclose your PHI without your written authorization for certain purposes, including
treatment, payment, and health care operations (“TPO”).
1. Treatment
We may use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your dental care. This includes sharing information
with other health care providers, specialists, laboratories, pharmacies, or other entities involved in your treatment.
2. Payment
We may use and disclose your PHI to obtain payment for services provided to you. This may include billing insurance
companies, processing claims, determining eligibility or coverage, and collecting copayments or balances.
3. Health Care Operations
We may use and disclose your PHI for activities necessary to operate our practice. These activities may include quality
assessment and improvement, staff training, accreditation, licensing, compliance reviews, audits, business planning, and
administrative functions.
Other Permitted or Required Uses and Disclosures
We may also use or disclose your PHI without your authorization in the following circumstances, as permitted or required by law:
To comply with federal, state, or local laws
For public health activities (e.g., disease prevention, reporting adverse events)
For health oversight activities (e.g., audits, investigations, inspections)
In response to court orders, subpoenas, or lawful processes
For law enforcement purposes, as required by law
To avert a serious threat to health or safety
For workers' compensation or similar programs
Special Protections for Certain Records (Including Substance Use Disorder Records)
Some health information may be subject to additional protections under federal or state law, including records related to
substance use disorder (SUD) treatment governed by 42 CFR Part 2.
When applicable:
Such records may not be used or disclosed without your written consent, except as specifically permitted or required by law
Redisclosure of this information may be prohibited
These records generally may not be used in civil, criminal, administrative, or legislative proceedings without specific
authorization or a court order
If your information is subject to these additional protections, we will comply with all applicable requirements.
Redisclosure of Information
Information disclosed pursuant to this Notice may be subject to redisclosure by the recipient and may no longer be protected by
HIPAA. However, certain information, including substance use disorder records, may remain protected from redisclosure under
other applicable laws.
Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Written Authorization
We will obtain your written authorization before using or disclosing your PHI for purposes not described in this Notice, including:
Marketing activities not otherwise permitted by law
Sale of PHI
Certain disclosures of psychotherapy notes, if applicable
You may revoke an authorization at any time in writing, except to the extent that action has already been taken in reliance on it.
Your Rights Regarding Your PHI
You have the following rights regarding your PHI:
Right to Access
You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your PHI, with limited exceptions. Requests must be submitted in writing. We will
respond within the timeframe required by law and may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee.
Right to Request Amendment
If you believe your PHI is incorrect or incomplete, you may request an amendment. We may deny your request under certain
circumstances, in which case you may submit a written statement of disagreement.
Right to Request Restrictions
You may request restrictions on how we use or disclose your PHI for treatment, payment, or health care operations. We are not
required to agree to all requests, except as required by law.
Right to Confidential Communications
You may request that we communicate with you in a specific manner or at a specific location (for example, at an alternate phone
number or address).
Right to an Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of certain disclosures of your PHI made by us, as permitted by law.
Right to a Paper Copy
You have the right to receive a paper copy of this Notice upon request, even if you have agreed to receive it electronically.
Our Legal Duties
We are required by law to:
Maintain the privacy and security of your PHI
Provide you with this Notice explaining our legal duties and privacy practices
Notify you following a breach of unsecured PHI, as required by law
Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:
Our practice, using the contact information listed above, or
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights
We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Changes to This Notice
We reserve the right to change the terms of this Notice at any time. Any changes will apply to all PHI we maintain. Updated
Notices will be available upon request and posted in our office and on our website, if applicable.
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