Privacy PracticesHuntsville, AL

Our Legal Duty

We are required by law to:

• Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI)
• Provide you with this Notice of our legal duties and privacy practices
• Notify you if a breach occurs that may have compromised your information
• Follow the privacy practices described in this Notice

This Notice is effective February 16, 2026, and will remain in effect until replaced.

We reserve the right to change our privacy practices and update this Notice at any time, as permitted by law. When changes occur, we will:

• Post the updated Notice in our office
• Post the updated Notice on our website
• Provide copies upon request

You may request a copy of this Notice at any time.

How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information

We may use and disclose your health information for the following purposes:

1. Treatment

We may use and disclose your health information to provide, coordinate, or manage your dental care.

Example:

We may share your information with a dental specialist or laboratory involved in your treatment.

2. Payment

We may use and disclose your information to obtain payment for services provided.

This includes:

• Submitting insurance claims
• Billing and collections
• Eligibility verification
• Coverage determinations

Example:

We may send treatment information to your dental insurance provider to receive payment.

3. Healthcare Operations

We may use your information to operate and improve our practice.

Examples include:

• Quality improvement activities
• Staff training
• Licensing and credentialing
• Business management and administrative activities

4. Individuals Involved in Your Care

We may disclose information to:

• Family members
• Friends
• Patient representatives

Patient representatives This applies when they are involved in your care or payment, and you have given permission or do not object.

If someone has legal authority to act on your behalf, we will treat them as we would treat you.

5. Disaster Relief

We may share your information to assist with disaster relief efforts.

6. When Required by Law

We may disclose your health information when required by federal, state, or local law.

7. Public Health Activities

We may disclose your information for public health purposes, including:

• Preventing or controlling disease
• Reporting abuse or neglect
• Reporting reactions to medications or devices
• Product recalls
• Notifying individuals of exposure risks
• Reporting domestic violence

8. National Security and Military

We may disclose health information to authorized officials for:

• Military activities
• National security
• Law enforcement custody situations

9. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

We must disclose your information to the Secretary of HHS when required to investigate HIPAA compliance.

10. Worker’s Compensation

We may disclose your information as required to comply with worker’s compensation laws.

11. Law Enforcement

We may disclose information:

• As required by law
• In response to subpoenas or court orders
• For law enforcement investigations

12. Health Oversight Activities

We may disclose information to health oversight agencies for:

• Audits
• Investigations
• Inspections
• Licensure and credentialing

13. Judicial and Administrative Proceedings

We may disclose information in response to:

• Court orders
• Subpoenas
• Legal proceedings

When required, efforts will be made to notify you or protect your information.

14. Research

We may disclose your information to approved researchers when privacy protections are in place.

15. Coroners, Medical Examiners, and Funeral Directors

We may release information to:

• Identify deceased individuals
• Determine cause of death
• Assist funeral directors

16. Fundraising Communications

We may contact you regarding fundraising activities.

You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time.

Special Protections for Certain Information

Some records receive additional protection under federal and state law, including:

• HIV-related information
• Genetic information
• Mental health records
• Substance use disorder treatment records

We will follow all applicable laws regarding these protections.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

You have the right to:

• Request a copy of your records
• Request corrections to your records
• Request confidential communications
• Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures
• Receive a copy of this Notice

Questions or Complaints

If you have questions about this Notice or believe your privacy rights have been violated, please contact us:

Practice Name: René A. Talbot, DDS

Website: www.yourhuntsvilledentist.com

Phone: 256-382-6690

Address: 4000 Balmoral Dr SW #202, Huntsville, AL 35801

Email: [email protected]

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.