Cookie Policy

We may place small text files on your device when you visit our website that allow us to provide you with a personalised experience by associating your personal information with your device. They let us remember your preferences, allow third parties to provide services to you, and otherwise serve useful purposes for you. Your internet browser generally accepts them automatically, but you can often change this setting or delete them manually by amending your browser settings. However, we won’t be able to provide you with access to certain aspects of our website where cookies are necessary, if you do so, we have no access to or control over any cookies that our business partners use on our website and they have their own privacy polices that govern them.

Protection of Personal Information Act of 2013 (“POPI”)

We are committed to protecting your privacy. Whenever you use our website, complete an application form or contact us
electronically, you consent to our processing of your personal information in accordance with the requirements of POPI. In
the event that you wish to revoke your consent, please send an email to Reporting@akoyabh.co

HIPAA

Introduction

We are required by law to maintain the privacy of “protected health information.” “Protected health information” includes any identifiable information that we obtain from you or others that relates to your physical or mental health, the health care you have received, or payment for your health care.

As required by law, this notice provides you with information about your rights and our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to the privacy of protected health information. This notice also discusses the uses and disclosures we will make of your protected health information. We must comply with the provisions of this notice, although we reserve the right to change the terms of this notice from time to time and to make the revised notice effective for all protected health information we maintain. You can always request a copy of our most current privacy notice from our office.

Permitted Uses and Disclosures

We can use or disclose your protected health information for purposes of treatment, payment and health care operations.

Treatment means the provision, coordination or management of your health care, including consultations between health care providers regarding your care and referrals for health care from one health care provider to another. For example, a doctor treating you for a broken leg may need to know if you have diabetes because diabetes may slow the healing process. Therefore, the doctor may review your medical records to assess whether you have potentially complicating conditions like diabetes.

Payment means activities we undertake to obtain reimbursement for the health care provided to you, including determinations of eligibility and coverage and other utilization review activities. For example, prior to providing health care services, we may need to provide to your insurance carrier (or other third- party payor) information about your medical condition to determine whether the proposed course of treatment will be covered. When we subsequently bill the carrier or other third-party payor for the services rendered to you, we can provide the carrier or other third party payor with information regarding your care if necessary to obtain payment.

Health Care Operations mean the support functions of our practice related to treatment and payment, such as quality assurance activities, case management, receiving and responding to client complaints, compliance programs, audits, business planning, development, management and administrative activities. For example, we may use your medical information to evaluate the performance of our staff in caring for you. We may also combine medical information about many clients to decide what services are not needed, and whether certain new treatments are effective.

Disclosures Related to Communications with You or Your Family

We may contact you to provide appointment reminders or information about treatment alternatives or other health-related benefits and services that may be of interest to you or relate specifically to your medical care through our office. For example, we may leave appointment reminders on your answering machine or with a family member or other person who may answer the telephone at the number that you have given us in order to contact you.

We may disclose your protected health information to your family or friends, or any other individual identified by you when they are involved in your care or the payment for your care. We will only disclose the protected health information directly relevant to their involvement in your care or payment. We may also use or disclose your protected health information to notify, or assist in the notification of, a family member, a personal representative, or another person responsible for your care of your location, general condition or death. If you are available, we will give you an opportunity to object to these disclosures, and we will not make these disclosures if you object. If you are not available, we will determine whether a disclosure to your family or friends is in your best interest, and we will disclose only the protected health information that is directly relevant to their involvement in your care.

We will allow your family and friends to act on your behalf to pick up prescriptions, medical supplies, X-rays, and similar forms of protected health information, when we determine, in our professional judgment, that it is in your best interest to make such disclosures.

Other Situations:

Organ and Tissue Donation. If you are an organ donor, we may release medical information to organizations that handle organ procurement or organ, eye or tissue transplantation or to an organ donation bank, as necessary to facilitate organ or tissue donation and transplantation.

Military and Veterans. If you are a member of the Armed Forces, we may release medical information about you as required by military command authorities. We may also release medical information about foreign military personnel to the appropriate foreign military authority.

Public Health Risks. We may disclose medical information about you for public health activities. These activities generally include the following:

To prevent or control disease, injury or disability.

To report births and deaths.

To report victims of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.

To report reactions to medications.

To notify people of product, recalls, repairs or replacements.

To notify a person who may have been exposed to a disease or may be at risk for contracting or spreading a disease or condition.

Health Oversight Activities. We may disclose medical information to federal or state agencies that oversee our activities. These activities are necessary for the government to monitor the health care system, government programs, and compliance with civil rights laws.

Lawsuits and Disputes. If you are involved in a lawsuit or dispute, we may disclose medical information about you in response to a court or administrative order. We may also disclose medical information about you in a response to a subpoena, discovery request or other lawful process by someone else involved in the dispute.

Law Enforcement. We may release medical information if asked to do so by a law enforcement official if asked in order to comply with any legal requests

Serious Threats. As permitted by applicable law and standards of ethical conduct, we may use and disclose protected health information if we, in good faith, believe that the use of disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of a person or the public.

Your Rights:

You have the right to request restrictions on our uses and disclosures of protected health information for treatment, payment, and health care operations. However, we are not required to agree to your request.

You have the right to reasonably request to receive communications of protected health information by alternative means or at alternative locations.

Subject to payment of a reasonable copying charge as provided by state law, you have the right to inspect or obtain a copy of the protected health information contained in your medical and billing records and in any other practice records used by us to make decisions about you, except for:

Psychotherapy notes, which are notes recorded by a mental health professional documenting or analyzing the contents of conversation during a private counseling session or a group, joint or family counseling session and that have been separated from the rest of your medical record.

Information compiled in a reasonable anticipation of, or for use in, a civil, criminal, or administrative action or proceeding.

Protected health information involving laboratory tests when your access is required by law.

If you are a prison inmate, obtaining such information would jeopardize your health, safety, security, custody, or rehabilitation or that of other inmates, or the safety of any officer, employee, or other person at the correctional institution or person responsible for transporting you.

If we obtained or created protected health information as part of a research study for as long as the research is in progress, if you agreed to the temporary denial of access when consenting to participate in the research.

Your protected health information is contained in records kept by a federal agency or contractor when your access is required by law.

If the protected health information was obtained from someone other than us under a promise of confidentiality and the access requested would be reasonably likely to reveal the source of the information.

We may also deny a request for access to protected health information if:

A licensed healthcare professional has determined, in the exercise of professional judgment, that the access requested is reasonably likely to endanger your life or physical safety or that of another person.

The protected health information refers to another person (unless such other person is a health care provider) and a licensed healthcare professional has determined, in the exercise of professional judgment, that the access requested is reasonably likely to cause substantial harm to such other person.

The request for access is made by the individual’s personal representative and a licensed healthcare professional has determined, in the exercise of professional judgment, that the provision of access to such personal representative is reasonably likely to cause substantial harm to you or another person.

If we deny a request for access for any of the three reasons described above, then you have the right to have our denial reviewed in accordance with the requirements of applicable law.

You have the right to request a correction to your protected health information, but we may deny your request for correction, if we determine that the protected health information or record that is the subject of the request:

Was not created by us, unless you provide a reasonable basis to believe that the originator of protected health information is no longer available to act on the requested amendment.

Is not part of your medical or billing records.

Is not available for inspection as set forth above.

Is not accurate and complete.

In any event, any agreed upon correction will be included as an addition to, and not a replacement of, already existing records.

You have the right to receive an accounting of disclosures of protected health information made by us to individuals or entities other than to you for the period provided by law, except for disclosures:

To carry out treatment, payment and health care operations as provided above.

To persons involved in your care or for other notification purposes as provided by law.

For national security or intelligence purposes as provided by law.

To correctional institutions or law enforcement officials as provided by law.

That occurred prior to April 14, 2003.

That is otherwise not required by law to be included in the accounting.

You have the right to request and receive a paper copy of this notice from us.

The above rights may be exercised only by written communication to us. Any revocation or other modification of consent must be in writing delivered to us.

Client bill of rights and privacy

As a client of Akoya Behavioral Health, you and your child have rights.

Getting Information. You have the right to receive accurate, easy-to understand information through written materials, presentations, and Akoya Behavioral Health representatives to help you make informed decisions about Akoya programs, medical professionals, and facilities.

Participating in Your Child’s Treatment. You have the right responsibility to receive and review information about diagnosis, treatment, and the progress of your child’s condition, with the clinician and to fully participate in all decisions related to your child’s program. If you are unable to fully participate in treatment decisions, you have the right to be represented by family members, conservators, or other duly appointed representatives.

Respect and Nondiscrimination. You have the right to considerate, respectful care from all members of the Akoya Behavioral Health staff always and under all circumstances. An environment of mutual respect is essential to maintain quality services. If you are eligible for coverage under the terms and conditions of Akoya Behavioral Health and your insurance provider or as required by law, you must not be discriminated against in marketing and enrollment practices based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or source of payment.

Confidentiality of Your Health Information. You have the right to communicate with Akoya Behavioral Health staff members in confidence and to have the confidentiality of your child’s individually identifiable health care information protected. You also have the right to review and copy your own medical records and request amendments to your records.

Complaints and Appeals. You have the right to a fair and efficient process for resolving differences with your health plan, health care providers, and the institutions that serve them, including a rigorous system of review.

An Individual Has a Right to a Therapeutic Environment. A physical and social environment that is safe, humane, and responsive to individual needs is a prerequisite for effective treatment. A therapeutic environment imposes the fewest restrictions necessary, while ensuring individual safety and development.

An Individual Has a Right to Services Whose Overriding Goal is Personal Welfare. The primary purpose of behavioral treatment is to assist individuals in acquiring functional skills that promote independence.

An Individual Has a Right to Treatment by a Competent Behavior Analyst. Professionals responsible for delivering, directing, or evaluating the effects of behavioral treatment possess appropriate education and experience. The behavior analyst’s academic training reflects thorough knowledge of behavioral principles, methods of assessment and treatment, research methodology, and professional ethics.

An Individual Has a Right to Programs That Teach Functional Skills. The goal of all services is to increase the ability of individuals to function effectively in both their immediate environment and the larger society.

An Individual Has a Right to Behavioral Assessment and Ongoing Evaluation. Prior to the onset of treatment, individuals are entitled to a complete diagnostic evaluation to identify factors that contribute to the presence of a skill deficit or a behavioral disorder. A complete and functional analysis emphasizes the importance of events that are antecedent, as well as consequent, to the behavior of interest. For example, identification of preexisting physiological or environmental determinants may lead to the development of a treatment program that does not require extensive use of behavioral contingencies.

An Individual Has a Right to the Most Effective Treatment Procedures Available. An individual is entitled to effective and scientifically validated treatment. In turn, behavior analysts have an obligation to use only those techniques that have been demonstrated by researchers to be effective, to acquaint consumers and the public with the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques, and to search continuously for the most optimal means of changing behavior.

Respect and Professionalism

At Akoya Behavioral Health, we prioritize creating a safe and respectful environment for both our clients and staff. As part of our commitment to fostering a positive atmosphere, we expect families to treat Akoya staff with respect at all times. Mutual respect is fundamental to the success of our collaborative efforts and contributes to a supportive and effective therapeutic relationship.

Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of adherence to all applicable state, local, and federal laws. Families are expected to comply with legal requirements related to the provision of healthcare services and behavioral health interventions. Akoya Behavioral Health maintains a strict no-tolerance policy for any behavior that violates these laws, and any such violation may result in appropriate actions being taken.

By establishing clear expectations for respectful interactions and compliance with the law, we aim to maintain a secure and conducive environment for the well-being and progress of our clients and the effectiveness of our services at Akoya Behavioral Health.

Complaints, concerns, and conflict resolution

If you believe that a covered entity violated your (or someone else’s) health information privacy rights or committed another violation of the Privacy or Security Rule, you may file a complaint with OCR. OCR can investigate complaints against covered entities.

Covered Entity – A covered entity is a health plan, health care clearinghouse, and any health care provider that conducts certain health care transactions electronically. For more information, please review our Understanding Health Information Privacy section or look at our responses to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our website, http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/index.html

Complaint Requirements – Your complaint must:

Be filed in writing, either on paper or electronically, by mail, fax, or e-mail;

Name the covered entity involved and describe the acts or omissions you believe violated the requirements of the Privacy or Security Rule; and

Be filed within 180 days of when you knew that the act or omission complained of occurred. OCR may extend the 180-day period if you can show “good cause.”

ANYONE CAN FILE! – Anyone can file a complaint alleging a violation of the Privacy or Security Rule. We recommend that you use the OCR Health Information Privacy Complaint Form Package. You can also request a copy of this form from an OCR regional office. If you need help filing a complaint or have a question about the complaint or consent forms, please email OCR at OCRMail@hhs.gov.

HIPAA Prohibits Retaliation – Under HIPAA an entity cannot retaliate against you for filing a complaint. You should notify OCR immediately in the event of any retaliatory action.

How to Submit Your Complaint – To submit a complaint, please use one of the following methods @ http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/index.html.

If you mail or fax the complaint, be sure to send it to the appropriate OCR regional office based on where the alleged violation took place. OCR has ten regional offices, and each regional office covers specific states. Send your complaint to the attention of the OCR Regional Manager. You do not need to sign the complaint and consent forms when you submit them by e-mail because submission by e-mail represents your signature.

Akoya Behavioral Health Complaint Contact

Please contact Akoya’s reporting, Reporting@akoyabh.com or at our Corporate Office. For complaints in writing, please mail to:

Akoya Behavioral Health
23800 Northwestern Highway, Suite 190-L,
Southfield, MI 4807

Client responsibilities

Decisions You have the responsibility to be involved in therapy decisions, which means working with Akoya Behavioral Health Staff in developing and carrying out agreed upon treatment plans, disclosing relevant information, and clearly communicating your wants and needs.

Be Knowledgeable about Akoya Behavioral Health You have the responsibility to be knowledgeable about Akoya Behavioral Health and program options, including covered benefits; limitations; exclusions; appropriate processes to secure additional information; and appeals, claims, and grievance processes.

You also have the responsibility to:

To attend caregiver support sessions.

Active parent involvement is required for a minimum number of hours each month to ensure and assist in the generalization of skills to other environments, and for your child to make significant and lasting progress.

Show respect for other parents, children and Akoya Behavioral Health staff members

Know and understand your insurance plan benefits and your responsibility for any deductibles, co- insurance, or co-payment amounts. Not all services are covered in all insurance contracts. If your insurance plan does not cover a service or procedure, you are responsible for payment of these charges.

Attending ongoing caregiver support sessions to facilitate behavioral treatment of your child.

To provide, to the best of your knowledge, complete information about your current medical condition and past medical history, including current illness, prior hospitalizations, current medications, allergies, and all other health-related matters

To provide complete information, so that contacts and communications can be maintained.

To discuss your child’s treatment plan with the Director before indicating agreement to take part in it by signing consent.

To report unexpected absences by 7am the day of the therapy session

To report scheduled absences one week prior to the first day of the absences

To report promptly to the Director any unexpected problems or changes in your child’s medical condition

To inform the appropriate staff or the client representative of any concerns or problems with the care and treatment that you feel are not being adequately addressed.

Report wrongdoing and fraud to appropriate resources or legal authorities