Legal Information

Privacy Practices

Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. follows federal HIPAA Privacy Practices and abides by its regulations for all residents as outlined below.

Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. is permitted to make uses and disclosures of protected health information for treatment, payment and healthcare operations.

Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. is permitted or required, under specific circumstances, to use or disclose protected health information without the individual’s written authorization.

Other uses and disclosures will be made only with the individual's written authorization and the individual may revoke such authorization. Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. may use or disclose protected health information in the following activities:

1. Business Associates. When services such as our accountant, consultants and attorney are contracted, we may disclose your health information to our business associates so that they can perform the job we have asked them to do.
2. Directory. Unless you notify us that you object, we may use your name and location in the facility for directory purposes. We may also use your name on a name plate next to or on your door in order to identify your room unless you notify us that you object. 
3. Notification. We may use or disclose information about your location and general condition in notifying a family member, personal representative, or another person responsible for your care.
4. Communication with family. Health professionals, using their best judgment, may disclose to a family member, other relative, close personal friend or any other person you identify, health information relevant to that person’s involvement in your care or payment related to your care.
5. Research. We may disclose information to researchers when their research has been approved by an institutional review board that has reviewed the research proposal and established protocols to ensure the privacy of your health information.

The individual has the following rights regarding protected health information:

1. The right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of protected health information. However, Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. is not required to agree to a requested restriction.
2. The right to receive confidential communications of protected health information as applicable.
3. The right to inspect and copy protected health information as provided in the Privacy Regulation.
4. The right to amend protected health information as provided in the Privacy Regulation.
5. The right to receive an accounting of disclosures of protected health information.
6. The right to obtain a paper copy of the Notice from the covered entity upon request. This right extends to an individual who has agreed to receive the Notice electronically.

Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. is required by law to maintain the privacy of protected health information and to provide individuals with notice of its legal duties and privacy practices with respect to protected health information.

Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. is required to abide by the terms of the Notice currently in effect. Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. reserves the right to change the terms of this Notice. The new Notice provisions will be effective for all protected health information that Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. maintains.

Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. will provide individuals or patients with a revised Notice by mail or hand delivery. Individuals may complain to Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. and to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, without fear of retaliation by the organization, if they believe their privacy rights have been violated. Individuals are asked to submit complaints about the facility’s privacy policies or procedures, or its compliance with those policies and procedures or the law, in writing to the facility Administrator. A complaint form is available. If necessary, verbal complaints will be accepted and transcribed by the facility representative onto a formal complaint form. Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc.’s contact person for matters relating to complaints is the facility Administrator.

This Notice is first in effect on April 15, 2003.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Race, Color, National Origin, Disability and Age

As a recipient of Federal financial assistance, Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the ground of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin, or on the basis of disability or age in admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits of any of its programs and activities or in employment therein, whether carried out by Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. directly or through a contractor or any other entity with whom Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc. arranges to carry our its programs and activities.

This statement is in accordance with the provision of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Regulations of the US Department of Health and Human Services issued pursuant to the Acts, Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Part 80, 84, and 91.  (Other Federal Laws and Regulations provide similar protection against discrimination on the grounds of gender and creed.)

In case of questions concerning this policy, or in the event of a desire to file a complaint alleging violations of the above, please contact :

Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc.
Compliance Officer
541-746-1020
7-1-1 Oregon Relay Service
TTY users:  1-800-735-2900
Voice users: 1-800-735-1232

or contact the following:

Office for Civil Rights
Region IX
US Department of Health and Human Services
50 United Nations Plaza - Room 322
San Francisco, CA  94102
Voice Phone : 415-437-8310
 TDD: 415-437-8311
 FAX:  415-437-8329

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