Autumn Lake Healthcare Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Autumn Lake Healthcare is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of individuals who interact with our services, including residents, family members, employees, and prospective patients. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect personal information.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Contact Information: Name, phone number, email address
• Relationship Information: Resident, resident family member, responsible party, employee
• Communication Data: Messages sent to and from our system
• Healthcare-Related Information: Only as necessary and in accordance with applicable laws (e.g., HIPAA), and only through secure and appropriate channels

3. How We Use Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

• To communicate important updates regarding residents, services, or facility operations
• To respond to inquiries or requests
• To send alerts, reminders, and notifications (e.g., appointments, billing, general updates)
• To improve our services and communication processes
• To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Mobile numbers (contact info) and consents are not shared or sold to third parties

4. Text Messaging (SMS/MMS) Communications

Autumn Lake Healthcare offers an SMS messaging program to communicate with residents, responsible parties, family members, and staff regarding care-related updates, appointment reminders, and administrative notifications.

By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive SMS messages from Autumn Lake Healthcare regarding care-related communication, appointment reminders, and administrative notifications. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of receiving care. You may reach out for assistance at (732)358-6883 or mweisz@autumnhc.net.

5. Consent & TCPA Compliance

We only send text messages to individuals who have provided prior consent (or express written consent where required) in accordance with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and applicable regulations. Consent is not a condition of receiving care or services.

6. HIPAA & Sensitive Information

As a healthcare provider, we take privacy seriously.

• We do not send Protected Health Information (PHI) via standard SMS unless appropriate safeguards and consent are in place
• Sensitive information is handled in accordance with HIPAA and applicable state laws
• Patients/responsible parties should avoid sending sensitive medical information via unsecured text

7. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell personal information. We may share information with:

• Service providers (e.g., Twilio) solely to facilitate communications
• Regulatory authorities when required by law

All third parties are required to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards.

8. Data Security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

• Fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy
• Comply with legal, regulatory, and operational requirements

10. Your Rights & Choices

You have the right to:

• Opt out of communications at any time
• Request access to or correction of your personal information (where applicable)
• Contact us with privacy-related concerns

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted with a revised effective date.