Notice of Privacy Practices (NOPP) for Rapha Counseling Group, LLC

This notice describes how medical and mental health information about you (as a patient) may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.

1. Our Commitment to Your Privacy

We are required by law (HIPAA) to protect the privacy and security of your Protected Health Information (PHI). This includes all information related to your past, present, or future mental health, and we will not use or share it other than as described here.

2. Your Rights Regarding Your PHI (HIPAA Mandates)

You maintain all federal rights under HIPAA, including the right to:

  • Inspect and Copy your clinical and billing records.

  • Request an Amendment to your records if you believe the information is incorrect or incomplete.

  • Request Restrictions on how we use or disclose your PHI (which we must agree to if you pay out-of-pocket in full for the service).

  • Receive an Accounting of Disclosures for non-routine purposes.

  • Receive Notice of a Breach of unsecured PHI.

3. State-Specific Protections (Georgia and Florida)

In addition to federal law, we adhere to the specific confidentiality statutes of Georgia and Florida:

State RequirementDescriptionFlorida: Communicable Disease

We adhere to Florida statutes regarding the testing, treatment, and identity of persons with HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmissible diseases. PHI related to this information often has higher protections and will not be disclosed without authorization unless required by a specific legal exception.

Georgia & Florida: Minors

The privacy rights regarding a minor's PHI generally belong to the parent or legal guardian. However, we may be authorized to withhold information from the parent/guardian if the minor is legally allowed to consent to the service independently (e.g., certain drug abuse, mental health services), or if the disclosure is deemed detrimental to the minor's treatment.

Georgia: Mental Illness

Georgia law provides strong protections for records related to mental illness, developmental disability, or addictive diseases, requiring your explicit consent for most routine disclosures.

4. How We May Use and Disclose Your PHI (Routine Disclosures)

We may use and share your PHI for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations without your specific authorization:

  • For Treatment: Sharing information with other licensed professionals for referral, consultation, or coordination of your care.

  • For Payment: Submitting claims to your insurance provider to secure payment for services rendered.

  • For Healthcare Operations: Administrative and business functions, such as quality assessment, auditing, and staff training.

5. Mandatory Disclosures (Exceptions to Confidentiality)

Confidentiality ends, and we are legally required to disclose your PHI, when:

  • Serious Threat of Harm (Duty to Warn): When a client expresses a serious and imminent threat to harm themselves or another person.

  • Abuse or Neglect: When there is reason to believe a child or a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited (Mandated Reporting).

  • Court Order: In response to a valid court order or other legal process.

  • Required by Law: To comply with federal, state, or local laws (e.g., subpoena for specific limited records, public health reporting).

6. Outside Third-Party Services

  • We will note share or sell your PHI with any outside third-party without consent.

7. Contact and Effective Date

  • Effective Date: October 23, 2025

  • Privacy Officer Contact:

    • Name: Rapha Counseling Group, LLC

    • Phone: (770) 376-5190