Effective Date: April 16th, 2026
This Notice explains how your health information may be used and disclosed and how you may access this information. Please read it carefully.
Kirkland Dental Excellence is committed to protecting your privacy. We are required by federal law (HIPAA) and by applicable Washington State laws to safeguard the confidentiality and security of your Protected Health Information (PHI), provide this Notice describing our legal duties and privacy practices, and inform you if a breach occurs involving your unsecured PHI.
We are obligated to follow the terms of this Notice while it remains in effect. We may modify or update this Notice as permitted by law. If changes are made, the revised version will be available in our office, and copies will be provided upon request.
How We May Use and Disclose Your Health Information
We may use or disclose your PHI for the following purposes:
- Treatment
We may use or share your PHI to provide, coordinate, or manage your dental care. This includes communication with specialists, dental laboratories, pharmacies, or other healthcare providers involved in treating you.
- Payment
Your PHI may be used for billing and payment-related tasks, including:
- Submitting claims
- Eligibility checks
- Claims management
- Collections activities
- Healthcare Operations
We may use your information to support the routine operations of our practice, including:
- Quality assessment and improvement
- Credentialing, staff training, and evaluation
- Licensing, audits, and compliance activities
- Internal administration and management
Other Uses and Disclosures Permitted or Required by Law
Individuals Involved in Your Care
Information may be shared with family members, caregivers, or others involved in your care as allowed by law or as authorized by you.
Disaster Relief
PHI may be disclosed to assist with disaster or emergency response efforts.
Public Health and Safety
We may disclose PHI to public health authorities for purposes such as:
- Preventing or controlling disease
- Reporting abuse or neglect
- Reporting adverse drug reactions
- Product recalls
- Exposure notifications
Law Enforcement
PHI may be disclosed for law enforcement purposes when required by HIPAA or Washington State law.
Health Oversight
We may share PHI with oversight agencies conducting audits, inspections, or investigations.
Judicial or Administrative Proceedings
We may disclose PHI in response to subpoenas, court orders, or administrative requests as permitted by law.
Research
Limited PHI may be disclosed for approved research projects that include proper privacy safeguards.
Coroners, Medical Examiners, and Funeral Directors
We may provide PHI needed for these professionals to fulfill their duties.
National Security & Military
If you serve in the U.S. Armed Forces or are involved in national security functions, PHI may be disclosed as required.
Fundraising
We may contact you to support practice‑related fundraising activities. You may opt out at any time.
Uses Requiring Written Authorization
Certain uses of PHI require your written permission, including:
- Psychotherapy notes (if applicable)
- Marketing communications not related to your care
- Sale of PHI
You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing.
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information
- Right to Access
You may request to view or obtain copies of your PHI. Electronic copies are available when feasible. Reasonable, cost‑based fees may apply.
- Right to Request Restrictions
You may ask us to place limits on how your PHI is used or disclosed.
We are not required to agree, except when the restriction concerns a service you paid for fully out‑of‑pocket and you request that we not share that information with your insurer.
- Right to Request Confidential Communications
You may request to be contacted through alternative phone numbers, addresses, or other communication methods.
- Right to Amend
If you believe your PHI is inaccurate or incomplete, you may request an amendment. If a request is denied, we will provide a written explanation.
- Right to Accounting of Disclosures
You may request a list of certain disclosures made during the previous six years, except for those related to treatment, payment, healthcare operations, and other legally exempt categories.
- Right to Notification of Breach
You will be notified in writing if a breach occurs that compromises the privacy or security of your PHI.
- Right to Paper Copy
You may request a paper copy of this Notice at any time, even if you have agreed to receive it electronically.
State‑Specific Information: Washington
Washington State law generally aligns with HIPAA but includes enhanced protections for certain types of information. Washington places stricter confidentiality requirements on:
- Mental health treatment records
- Substance use disorder information
- HIV/AIDS status
- Sexually transmitted disease records
- Genetic testing information
When Kirkland Dental Excellence handles any category protected under stronger Washington statutes, we will follow the stricter standard.
Questions, Requests, or Complaints
If you have questions, want to exercise your privacy rights, or wish to file a complaint, please contact:
Kirkland Dental Excellence – Privacy Officer
1619 Market St
Kirkland, WA 98033
Phone: (425) 827‑2003
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.
We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.