Notice of Privacy Practices

Effective Date: January 1, 2026  ·  Last Updated: May 29, 2026

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Universal Community Services ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of your protected health information ("PHI"). We are required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state and federal law to maintain the privacy of your PHI, to provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices, and to follow the terms of the Notice currently in effect.

How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information

The following describes the ways we may use and disclose your PHI. Not every use or disclosure will be listed, but all permitted uses fall within one of these categories.

• Treatment. We may use and disclose your PHI to provide, coordinate, and manage your care among the providers, clinicians, and staff involved in your treatment — for example, sharing information with your psychiatrist, therapist, case manager, or other providers.
• Payment. We may use and disclose your PHI to obtain payment for the services we provide — for example, to verify insurance coverage, obtain prior authorization, or submit claims to your health plan.
• Health Care Operations. We may use and disclose your PHI for our operations, such as quality assessment, staff training and review, care coordination, accreditation, licensing, and business management.
• Appointment Reminders & Communications. We may contact you to provide appointment reminders, scheduling updates, or information about treatment options and services.

Uses and Disclosures That Require Your Written Authorization

The following uses and disclosures will be made only with your written authorization: most uses and disclosures of psychotherapy notes; uses and disclosures for marketing purposes; and disclosures that constitute a sale of PHI. You may revoke a written authorization at any time, in writing, except to the extent we have already acted in reliance on it.

Special Protections for Substance Use Records (42 CFR Part 2)

Records relating to substance use disorder treatment may receive additional protection under federal law (42 CFR Part 2). Generally, we may not disclose information identifying you as having a substance use disorder unless you consent in writing, the disclosure is otherwise permitted by law, or it is necessary to respond to a medical emergency or report suspected child abuse or neglect.

Other Permitted or Required Uses and Disclosures

We may use or disclose your PHI without your authorization in certain situations, including:

• When required by law;
• For public health activities and to prevent or control disease;
• To report suspected abuse, neglect, or domestic violence;
• For health oversight activities authorized by law;
• In response to a court or administrative order, subpoena, or other lawful process;
• For specific law enforcement purposes;
• To coroners, medical examiners, and funeral directors;
• For organ and tissue donation;
• For approved research under applicable safeguards;
• To avert a serious and imminent threat to health or safety;
• For specialized government functions (e.g., military, national security);
• For workers' compensation as authorized by law.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

You have the following rights with respect to your PHI:

• Right to Access. You may inspect and obtain a copy of your health and billing records, in the form and format you request when readily producible.
• Right to Amend. You may request that we amend your PHI if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete.
• Right to an Accounting of Disclosures. You may request a list of certain disclosures we have made of your PHI.
• Right to Request Restrictions. You may request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures. We are not required to agree, except that we must agree to restrict disclosure to a health plan for payment or operations when you have paid for the service in full out of pocket.
• Right to Confidential Communications. You may request that we contact you in a specific way or at a specific location.
• Right to a Paper Copy. You may obtain a paper copy of this Notice at any time, even if you agreed to receive it electronically.
• Right to Notification of a Breach. You have the right to be notified if there is a breach of your unsecured PHI.
• Right to Revoke Authorization. You may revoke any authorization in writing at any time, except to the extent we have already relied on it.

Our Responsibilities

We are required to maintain the privacy of your PHI, provide you this Notice of our duties and practices, follow the terms of the Notice currently in effect, and notify you in the event of a breach of unsecured PHI. We will not use or share your information other than as described here unless you tell us we may in writing.

Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to change this Notice and to make the revised Notice effective for all PHI we maintain. The current Notice will be posted at our office and on this website, with its effective date.

How to File a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with our Privacy Officer using the contact information below, or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, at www.hhs.gov/ocr. You will not be penalized or retaliated against for filing a complaint.

Contact / Privacy Officer

To exercise any of your rights, request a paper copy of this Notice, or ask questions, contact our Privacy Officer:

Universal Community Services — Privacy Officer
3908 West 12th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33012
Phone: 305-400-8904
Email: office@universalcommunityservices.com