Notice of Privacy Practices


NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

Effective Date: February 16, 2026

(Originally effective August 30, 2021; revised February 16, 2026)


Strong Counseling, PLC

595 Ashley Ct, Ste 5, North Liberty, IA 52317

319-455-6652


THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION.


PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.


OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR PRIVACY

Strong Counseling, PLC (“the Practice”) is committed to protecting the privacy of your Protected Health Information (“PHI”). PHI includes information that identifies you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, treatment, or payment for services.


We create and maintain records of the care and services you receive in order to provide quality treatment and comply with legal requirements. This Notice applies to all records maintained by the Practice.


We are required by law to:

 Maintain the privacy and security of your PHI.

 Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices.

 Follow the terms of the Notice currently in effect.

 Notify you if a breach occurs that may have compromised your PHI.

 Follow more stringent state or federal laws when applicable.


We reserve the right to revise this Notice. Any revision applies to all PHI we maintain. A current copy will always be available in our office and on our website.


HOW YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED

Federal law (HIPAA) allows certain uses and disclosures of PHI without written authorization. However, Iowa Code Chapter 228 governing disclosure of mental health information is more stringent. When required by Iowa law, we will obtain written authorization before disclosing mental health, substance use, or HIV/AIDS-related information.


I. ROUTINE USES AND DISCLOSURES

1. Treatment: We may use and disclose PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your health care. Example: Consulting with another provider involved in your care (authorization may be required under Iowa law).


2. Payment: We may use and disclose PHI to bill and obtain payment from health plans or other entities. Example: Submitting information to your insurance company for reimbursement.


3. Health Care Operations: We may use PHI to operate our practice and improve services. Examples include:

 Appointment reminders

 Quality improvement activities

 Licensing and accreditation reviews


II. USES AND DISCLOSURES THAT DO NOT REQUIRE AUTHORIZATION

Subject to applicable legal limitations, we may disclose PHI without authorization:


Public Health & Safety

  •  Reporting suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse
  •  Preventing or reducing serious and imminent threats
  •  Reporting adverse medication reactions
  •  Public health investigations


Health Oversight

  •  Audits, inspections, and investigations


Legal Requirements

  •  When required by federal or state law
  •  Court or administrative orders
  •  Subpoenas (with efforts to notify you or seek protective orders when appropriate)
  •  Law enforcement (including crimes on premises)
  •  National security and specialized government functions
  •  Workers’ compensation claims


Coroners, Medical Examiners, Funeral Directors


Research

When approved by an Institutional Review Board and compliant with law.


Business Associates

Organizations performing services on our behalf under confidentiality agreements.


III. DISCLOSURES REQUIRING WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION

We must obtain your written authorization for:

  •  Marketing
  •  Sale of PHI
  •  Most disclosures of mental health records under Iowa law
  •  Psychotherapy notes (with limited exceptions below)

You may revoke authorization at any time in writing.


PSYCHOTHERAPY NOTES

Psychotherapy notes receive special protection under federal law. Authorization is required except when used:

  •  For treatment by the originating provider
  •  For training or supervision
  •  For defense in legal proceedings initiated by you
  •  For HIPAA compliance investigations
  •  When required by law
  •  To prevent serious threats to safety
  •  By a coroner performing lawful duties


IV. DISCLOSURES WHERE YOU MAY OBJECT

Unless you object, we may disclose PHI:

  •  To family, friends, or others involved in your care
  •  When in your best interest if you are unable to state your preference


SPECIAL PROTECTIONS FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RECORDS

(42 C.F.R. Part 2)

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) records are protected by federal law under 42 C.F.R. Part 2. Disclosure requires explicit written consent except in limited circumstances:

  •  Medical emergencies
  •  Crimes on program premises
  •  Child abuse reporting
  • Authorized health oversight activities

Part 2 records may not be used in legal proceedings against you without your written consent or a specific court order that complies with Part 2 requirements.

You may revoke consent at any time in writing.


YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR PHI

To exercise your rights, submit a written request to:

Strong Counseling, PLC

595 Ashley Ct, Ste 5

North Liberty, Iowa 52317

Attn: Nicole Strong

Phone: 319-455-6652


1. Right to Inspect and Copy

You may request an electronic or paper copy of your record (excluding psychotherapy notes). Requests are fulfilled within 30 days. Reasonable fees may apply.


2. Right to Amend

You may request corrections to your PHI. If denied, you will receive a written explanation within 60 days.


3. Right to Request Restrictions

You may request limits on certain disclosures. If you pay in full out-of-pocket, you may require us not to disclose that information to your health plan.


4. Right to Confidential Communications

You may request contact in a specific manner or at a specific location. We will accommodate reasonable requests.


5. Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You may request a list of disclosures made in the past six years (excluding treatment, payment, operations, and authorized disclosures).

One free accounting per 12 months.


6. Right to Choose a Personal Representative

A person with medical power of attorney or legal guardianship may act on your behalf.


7. Right to Receive a Copy of This Notice

You may request a paper or electronic copy at any time.


8. Right to Opt Out of Fundraising Communications


9. Right to File a Complaint

You may file a complaint with:

Strong Counseling, PLC

595 Ashley Ct, Ste 5

North Liberty, Iowa 52317

Phone: 319-455-6652

Or with:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Office for Civil Rights

200 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20201

1-877-696-6775

www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/

We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.