SMS Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 04/07/2025

This SMS Privacy Policy explains how FONTENOT & ASSOCIATES, LLC ("we," "us," or "our") uses SMS messaging to communicate with you and how we protect your limited personal information in this context. Please be aware that standard SMS messaging is not a secure method of communication and should not be used to transmit Protected Health Information (PHI).

1. Limited Use of SMS for Communication: We may use SMS messaging for the following limited purposes, which will generally NOT involve the transmission of your specific health information: Appointment Reminders: Sending reminders about scheduled appointments (e.g., date and time only). Confirmation of Actions: Confirming receipt of messages or requests initiated by you through other secure channels. Brief Administrative Updates: Providing brief, non-sensitive administrative updates (e.g., office closures due to weather). Directing You to Secure Communication Channels: Providing instructions or links to access secure communication methods, such as our secure patient portal or phone calls. We will NOT use standard SMS messaging to: Discuss your diagnosis, treatment, or any other PHI. Request sensitive personal or health information.

2. Information We Collect (Limited): Phone Number: We collect your mobile phone number when you provide it to us and consent to receive SMS messages for the limited purposes outlined in this policy. Message Content (Limited Access): We may temporarily access the content of SMS messages you send to us for the purpose of understanding your inquiry and responding appropriately through a secure channel. We do not routinely store SMS message content.

3. How We Collect Information: Direct Collection: We collect your phone number directly from you when you provide it and give your explicit consent to receive SMS messages for the specified limited purposes. This consent will be documented in your patient records.

4. How We Use Your Information (Within HIPAA Guidelines): We use your phone number for the following limited purposes: To send you SMS messages as described in Section 1. To respond to your inquiries via a secure method, if the initial contact was via SMS. To improve our communication processes (without accessing or storing PHI within SMS).

5. Sharing Your Information (Strict Limitations): We will only share your phone number under the following very limited circumstances: Service Providers (with strict Business Associate Agreements): If we use a third-party service provider for sending limited SMS messages (e.g., appointment reminders), we will have a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) in place to ensure they understand and comply with HIPAA regulations regarding the limited information they may handle. Legal Requirements: We may disclose your phone number if required by law, legal process, or government regulation, consistent with HIPAA regulations. We will NOT share or transfer your phone number or SMS consent with any third parties or affiliates for marketing or any other purposes outside of the limited uses described in this policy and as permitted by HIPAA."

6. Your Rights and Choices (Regarding SMS): Opt-Out: You can withdraw your consent to receive SMS messages at any time by replying with STOP to any message you receive from us. You may also inform us directly in writing or verbally that you wish to opt-out. Once you opt-out, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. Access and Correction (Regarding Phone Number): You have the right to access and request corrections to your phone number in our records. Please contact us using the information provided below to do so.

7. Security (Emphasis on Limitations of SMS): We take reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality of your phone number in our systems. However, you acknowledge that the transmission of SMS messages themselves is inherently not secure and may be susceptible to interception by third parties. We strongly advise against sending any PHI via standard SMS. For secure communication regarding your health information, please utilize our [Specify Secure Communication Method, e.g., Patient Portal, Secure Messaging System] or contact us by phone.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy: We may update this SMS Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website1 or through other appropriate means. The date of the last update will be indicated at the top of the policy. Your continued consent to receive SMS messages after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

9. Contact Us: If you have any questions or concerns about this2 SMS Privacy Policy or our privacy practices regarding SMS communication, please contact us at:
FONTENOT & ASSOCIATES, LLC 7520 PERKINS RD STE. 180B 225.276.8428 info@counselingbr.com or call us directly 225-276-8428.