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HIPAA SMS Text Messaging Consent

Explicit Consent is required in order to communicate any protected health information (PHI) over SMS (Short Message Service) Text Messaging with a patient or customer.

By giving written or verbal consent to opt-in to SMS text messaging regarding your PHI, you, the patient, are giving consent and stating your preference to have Hart Medical Equipment staff communicate with you by standard SMS messaging regarding various aspects of your medical care, which may include, but shall not be limited to, test results, prescriptions, appointments, and billing. Giving consent states that you understand that standard SMS messaging are not confidential methods of communication and may be insecure, meaning there is a risk that standard, unsecured SMS messaging regarding your medical care could be intercepted and read by a third party. As in the previous scenario, Hart Medical Equipment always implements reasonable safeguards to secure their patients’ data and privacy, and considers appropriate safeguards before using any communication method. Furthermore, this type of consent only applies to communication between a Hart Medical Equipment and the patient, exclusively.

Terms and Conditions:

The use of unencrypted email in such a case was clarified by HHS in published commentary to the 2013 HIPAA Omnibus Rule. A provider can send a patient unencrypted email (and SMS text messages, implicitly) when the provider has done the following:

·       Provided warning that unencrypted emails and texts may be insecure;

·       Advised the patient of the risks of unencrypted emails and texts (the provider doesn’t need to get into the details of encryption technology; he or she merely needs to explain that there is some risk of the messages being read by a third party);

·       Received confirmation from the patient that he or she “still prefers” to receive communication via text or email, notwithstanding the risks.

In this scenario, explicit patient consent will be documented to manage the provider’s liability—it is not enough to notify the patient and then assume that their silence is equivalent to consent.

By providing your phone number and opting in, you consent to receive SMS communications from Hart Medical Equipment.

SMS consent information, including your phone number, will not be shared with third parties.

By opting-in you may receive the following types of messages: Order updates and delivery notifications, appointment reminders and health-related information, and promotional messages regarding Hart Medical Equipment's services.

Message and data rates may apply. To opt out of SMS communications, text 'STOP' at any time. Messaging frequency may vary.

 

1- SMS Consent Communication:

The information (Phone Numbers) obtained as part of the SMS consent process will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

2- Types of SMS Communications:

If you have consented to receive text messages from Hart Medical Equipment, you may receive messages related to the following (provide specific examples):

  • Appointment reminders
  • Follow-up messages
  • Billing inquiries
  • Promotions or offers (if applicable)

3- Message Frequency:
Message frequency may vary depending on the type of communication. For example, you may receive up to 5 SMS messages per week related to your account.

4- Potential Fees for SMS Messaging:

Please note that standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your carrier’s pricing plan. These fees may vary if the message is sent domestically or internationally.

5- Opt-In Method:

You may opt-in to receive SMS messages from Hart Medical Equipment in the following ways:

  • Verbally, during a conversation
  • By submitting an online form
  • By filling out a paper form

6- Opt-Out Method:

You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time. To do so, simply reply "STOP" to any SMS message you receive. Alternatively, you can contact us directly to request removal from our messaging list.

7- Help:

If you are experiencing any issues, you can reply with the keyword HELP. Or, you can get help directly from us at (insert the link)

Additional Options:

  • If you do not wish to receive SMS messages, you can choose not to check the SMS consent box on our forms.

8- Standard Messaging Disclosures:

  • Message and data rates may apply.
  • You can opt-out at any time by texting "STOP."
  • For assistance, text "HELP" or visit our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions pages.
  • Message frequency may vary

To read more about Hart Medical Equipment's HIPAA Privacy Policy, please visit hartmedical.org/hipaa-privacy-policy.