Privacy policy

Our commitment to your privacy

Santa Maria Hospice (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our patients, their families, website visitors, and all individuals who interact with our organization. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or receive our services.

Health information privacy

As a healthcare provider, Santa Maria Hospice complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and all applicable federal and state privacy laws. Protected Health Information (PHI) — including your medical records, treatment information, and billing data — is handled in accordance with our Notice of Privacy Practices, which is provided to all patients upon admission and is posted on this website.

Your PHI will only be used or disclosed for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, or as otherwise permitted or required by law. You have the right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your PHI.

Information we collect

Information you provide:

When you contact us through our website forms, by phone, or in person, we may collect your name, email address, phone number, and any information you include in your message. Website contact, career, and volunteer forms are processed by Formspree, a third-party form service. Do not include diagnoses, medications, or other protected health information in a website form. Career applicants may also provide resumes and employment information.

Health information:

When you or your loved one becomes a patient, we collect medical history, diagnosis information, treatment plans, insurance details, and other information necessary to provide hospice care.

Automatically collected information:

Our website may collect technical data such as your browser type, operating system, IP address, and pages visited. This information helps us improve our website and is not used to personally identify you.

How we use your information

• To provide, coordinate, and improve hospice care services
• To respond to your inquiries, referrals, and form submissions
• To process employment applications and volunteer interest
• To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• To improve our website functionality and user experience

When we share information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

• With your healthcare team and referring physicians as necessary for your care
• With insurance providers and Medicare/Medicaid for billing and payment purposes
• With regulatory bodies as required by law (e.g., The Joint Commission, state health departments)
• With service providers who assist our operations under strict confidentiality agreements
• When required by law, court order, or legal process

Cookies and website tracking

Our website uses minimal cookies necessary for basic functionality. We do not use advertising cookies or third-party tracking for marketing purposes. Any analytics data collected is aggregated and anonymized.

How we protect your information

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including encrypted data transmission (HTTPS), secure data storage, staff training on privacy practices, and access controls that limit information access to authorized personnel only.

Your privacy rights

Under HIPAA and California law, you have the right to:

• Access and obtain a copy of your health records
• Request corrections to your health information
• Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your PHI
• Receive an accounting of disclosures of your PHI
• Request confidential communications
• File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Privacy Officer using the information below. You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights at hhs.gov/hipaa.

Information about minors

Our website is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through our website. Pediatric hospice patients' health information is protected under HIPAA with additional safeguards for minors.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date. We encourage you to review this policy regularly.

Contact us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us: