HIPAA

HIPAA Compliance Statement

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

At the Cook County Southland Juvenile Justice Council (SJJC), we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your health information. We comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and its implementing regulations to safeguard all Protected Health Information (PHI) we collect, store, and share.

This statement explains how we handle PHI in compliance with HIPAA requirements. By using our services, you agree to the terms outlined in this statement.

What Is HIPAA?

HIPAA is a federal law that sets national standards for the protection of sensitive patient health information. It ensures that PHI is properly safeguarded while allowing the flow of health information necessary to provide high-quality care and protect public health.

What Is Protected Health Information (PHI)?

PHI includes any information that identifies you and relates to your physical or mental health condition, the provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare. Examples of PHI include:

  • Your name, address, and contact details.
  • Medical records, treatment plans, or diagnoses.
  • Billing and payment information.

How We Protect Your PHI

SJJC has implemented robust measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of your PHI. These measures include:

  1. Administrative Safeguards:

    • Policies and procedures to manage the use and disclosure of PHI.
    • Regular training for employees and contractors on HIPAA compliance.

  2. Technical Safeguards:

    • Encryption of electronic PHI (ePHI) in storage and during transmission.
    • Secure access controls to limit PHI access to authorized personnel only.

  3. Physical Safeguards:

    • Secure storage of physical records in locked facilities.
    • Restricted access to areas where PHI is stored or processed.

Your Rights Under HIPAA

As a participant in our programs or services, you have the following rights regarding your PHI:

  1. Right to Access:
    You can request a copy of your PHI maintained by SJJC.

  2. Right to Amend:
    You can request corrections to your PHI if you believe it is incomplete or inaccurate.

  3. Right to Restrict Use or Disclosure:
    You can request limits on how your PHI is used or disclosed.

  4. Right to Confidential Communications:
    You can request that we communicate with you using specific methods or locations.

  5. Right to File a Complaint:
    If you believe your rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with SJJC or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

To exercise your rights, please contact us at [email protected] or 1.708.441.2515.

How We Use and Disclose PHI

We may use or disclose your PHI for the following purposes, in compliance with HIPAA:

  1. Treatment:
    To coordinate and manage your care with healthcare providers.

  2. Payment:
    To process billing or payment for healthcare services.

  3. Healthcare Operations:
    To evaluate and improve our programs and services.

  4. As Required by Law:
    To comply with legal obligations, such as reporting public health concerns or responding to court orders.

We will obtain your written authorization for uses and disclosures of PHI not covered by this policy or permitted by law.

Third-Party Vendors and Business Associates

SJJC works with trusted third-party vendors to provide services and ensure high-quality care. All vendors with access to PHI are required to sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs), ensuring they adhere to HIPAA regulations.

Data Breach Notification

In the event of a breach involving your PHI, SJJC will notify you in accordance with HIPAA’s Breach Notification Rule. Notifications will include details of the breach, the information affected, and steps you can take to protect yourself.

Complaints and Concerns

If you have concerns about the privacy or security of your PHI or believe your rights under HIPAA have been violated, you can contact us at:

Cook County Southland Juvenile Justice Council (SJJC)
336 Forest Blvd, 2nd Flr, Park Forest, IL 60466
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1.708.441.2515

You may also file a complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):
Website: www.hhs.gov/hipaa
Phone: 1-800-368-1019

We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Changes to This Policy

SJJC reserves the right to update or modify this HIPAA Compliance Statement at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.