Westside Community Services

Privacy Policy

Westside Community Services, Inc.
Summary Notice of HIPAA Privacy Practices

This Summary Notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed by Westside Community Services, Inc. (hereafter referred to as “Westside”) and how you can access this information.

Please review this notice carefully

Westside’s Pledge

Employees of Westside, its affiliates, and contract providers understand that information about you and your health is personal. They are therefore committed to protecting your health information.

Who will follow the rules in this notice?'

 All Westside and contract provider employees must follow these rules.

What are my rights?

You have the right to:  

  • Ask to see, read and/or obtain a copy of your health record*
  • Ask to correct information that you believe is wrong in your health record
  • Ask that your health information not be shared with certain individuals
  • Ask that your health information not be used for certain purposes; for example, for research
  • Ask Westside to send copies of your health record to whomever you wish*
  • Be informed about who has read your record for reasons other than treatment, payment, and program improvement purposes
  • Specify where and how Westside employees may contact you
  • Receive a paper copy of the “Notice of Privacy Practices”

*Charges may apply for these services.

Note: Please see possible restrictions in the full “Notice of Privacy Practices,” which is available upon request.

When may Westside use and disclose my health information?

To improve the quality of care you receive, health information may be shared by providers within Westside and between Westside and its contract providers. This includes health information regarding mental health, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and developmental disabilities. However, there are circumstances when health information about you will not be shared unless you give your permission first, such as when you receive substance abuse treatment. Please see the full “Notice of Privacy Practices” for more information.

What if I have concerns?

If you are concerned about how your health information might be (or has been) shared, please speak with your provider or call Westside’s Privacy Officer at 415-431-9000.  

If you believe your privacy rights have nor been maintained while receiving Westside’s services, you may file a complaint with Westside or with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You will not be penalized in any way for filing a complaint.

To file a complaint with Westside, please send it to:

 Westside Privacy Officer
1153 Oak Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

or call 415-431-9000. 

To file a complaint with the Secretary, mail it to:

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
Office of Civil Rights
Attn: Regional Manager
50 United Nations Plaza, Room 322
San Francisco, CA 94103