SMS PRIVACY POLICY

This SMS Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect the mobile phone numbers and related information of individuals who enroll in our text messaging (SMS/MMS) program. This SMS Privacy Policy applies solely to our text messaging program. This SMS Privacy Policy supplements, and does not replace, our Notice of Privacy Practices, which separately governs how we collect, use, and disclose your protected health information (PHI).

1.             INFORMATION WE COLLECT.  We collect only what we need to operate the program: your mobile phone number, your opt-in and consent record (including the date, time, and method of consent), your responses to our messages (including STOP and HELP requests), and any name or reference you provide when enrolling.

2.             HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION.  We use this information only to send the text messages you agreed to receive (such as appointment reminders, notifications, and service-related messages), to respond to your requests, to process your opt-out requests, and to maintain records of consent as required by applicable law and carrier requirements.

3.             NO SHARING OR SALE OF MOBILE INFORMATION.  We do not share or sell your mobile phone number, SMS opt-in data, or consent to receive text messages with or to any third parties or affiliates for their marketing or promotional purposes. No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes, and text messaging opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties. We may share information only with service providers that operate the program on our behalf (and only for that purpose) or where required by law. Where a text message contains your protected health information, our use and disclosure of that information is also governed by our Notice of Privacy Practices and applicable health-privacy laws.

4.             CONSENT (OPT-IN).  We send text messages only to individuals who have provided prior express consent, and consent is not a condition of purchasing any goods or services. Message frequency varies, and message and data rates may apply. Our text messaging program is limited to treatment- and operations-related communications; we will not use or disclose your protected health information to send marketing or promotional text messages without your separate, prior written authorization that complies with HIPAA, and your consent to receive text messages is not a HIPAA authorization.

5.             OPT-OUT AND HELP.  You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message, after which we will send one confirmation and will not message you again unless you opt in again; reply HELP, or use the contact details below, for assistance.

6.             CONTACT US.  If you have any questions about this SMS Privacy Policy or our text messaging program, contact us at:  hipaa@americanvisionpartners.com

Policy on Non-Discrimination

Policy:  Each Practice and Facility listed on Exhibit A, attached hereto (collectively, “American Vision Partners”), does not exclude, deny benefits to, or discriminate in any way against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or sex.

Purpose:  To foster a non-discriminatory health care environment at American Vision Partners, where patients are treated with equality and in a welcoming and respectful manner. Two fundamental principles guide how American Vision Partners provides care to patients with disabilities:

  1. All patients will be provided the equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from the goods, services, facilities, privileges, and accommodations offered by American Vision Partners; and
  2. American Vision Partners is dedicated to making reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures to make its goods, services, facilities, privileges and accommodations equal and accessible as required by law.

Scope:  The American Vision Partners Accessibility Office oversees this Policy on Non-Discrimination for the affiliated Practices and Facilities identified on Exhibit A.  All personnel of American Vision Partners must comply with this policy.

Procedures:

  1. American Vision Partners does not discriminate in the provision of services to patients or prospective patients with disabilities.
  2. The American Vision Partners’ Accessibility Office is designated to coordinate compliance with this Policy and applicable laws.
  3. American Vision Partners will provide, at no charge, aids and services to individuals with disabilities and language assistance services to individuals with limited English proficiency when needed to ensure equal opportunity and meaningful access to the American Vision Partners’ services and facilities.
  4. American Vision Partners will engage in an interactive process with patients who, because of disability, need transfer assistance at its facilities, to determine what transfer assistance options can be provided to each patient. This process will ensure that patients with disabilities are treated with respect, dignity and independence and will acknowledge the proficiency such patients have in understanding their disability and their transfer needs. See Policy on Transfer Assistance (AO-1.3).
  5. Communication to Patients: The policy shall be made available on the American Vision Partners website for all patients, and information about the policy will be posted in patient waiting areas.
  6. If an individual believes that American Vision Partners has discriminated in violation of this Policy, a grievance may be filed with the Civil Rights Coordinator of American Vision Partners as follows:

Attn: Accessibility Office, Civil Rights Coordinator

63 S Rockford Dr, Ste 220, Tempe, AZ 85281;

(602) 977-6040

accessibility@americanvisionpartners.com

  1. Employees of American Vision Partners who violate this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. American Vision Partners will not retaliate against any individual who makes a good faith complaint under its Policies.

EXHIBIT A

Medical Management Resource Group, L.L.C.

Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center

Southwestern Eye Center

M & M Eye Institute

Retinal Consultants of Arizona

Abrams Eye Institute

Southwest Eye Institute

Aiello Eye Institute

Moretsky Cassidy Vision Correction

Vantage Eye Center

West Texas Eye Associates

Policy On Non-Discrimination

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