Client Rights & Access to Health Records
We uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure your safety, privacy, and well-being throughout your counseling journey.
Access to your health records
In accordance with Texas House Bill 4224, clients have the right to request access to their health records, including mental health records, subject to applicable state and federal laws. We are required to retain your records for 7 years, or 5 years after a former child client has turned 18.
Process to Request Records
Clients may request access to their records by submitting a written request to our office. Requests can be made by:
-
Sending a secure message through the client portal
-
Emailing our administrative team at info@mindsimplicitycounseling.com
Certain portions of the clinical record may be withheld if access is restricted by law or if disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause harm, in accordance with Texas law and professional standards.
Client Rights & Notices
If you have questions about accessing your records or believe your rights regarding your health information have been violated, please contact us directly so we can address your concerns.
Response Time
We will respond to record requests within the timeframes required by applicable law. If additional time is needed, we will communicate this with you promptly.
Fees
Reasonable fees may apply for the preparation, copying, or delivery of records, as permitted by law and are posted on our website on the fees and insurance page. Any applicable fees will be communicated prior to releasing records.
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
If you believe a clinician has violated their code of ethics and/or scope of their licensing regulations, please contact the licensing board BEHEC:
Phone: 512-305-7700
Site: https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/
Texas Office of the Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division
If you believe you have been a victim of fraudulent business practices in the State of Texas, you may file a consumer complaint by contacting:
Phone: 1-800-621-0508
Site: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint
Good Faith Estimate
Clients have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
-
Clients have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
-
The Provider will give you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. As a client you may ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
-
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
-
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
Questions? Need more information?
Contact us directly at info@mindsimplicitycounseling.com or for information on Good Faith Estimate Rights, visit http://www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.