The following categories describe different ways that the Company may use or disclose protected medical information. For each category of uses and disclosures, the Company will explain what is meant and may give some examples. Not every use or disclosure in a category will be listed. However, all of the ways the Company is permitted to use and disclose information will fall within one of the categories.

For Research.

The Company may disclose medical information about you to researchers when the information does not directly identify you as the source of the information or when a waiver has been issued by an institutional review board or a privacy board that has reviewed the research proposal and protocols for compliance with standards to ensure the privacy of your health information.

For Payment.

The Company may use and disclose medical information about you so that the Company can get paid for the treatment and services you receive at the Company.

For Health Care Operations.

The Company may use and disclose medical information about you to carry out activities that are necessary for Company operations. These uses or disclosures are made for quality of care, compliance activities, administrative purposes, contractual obligations, grievances or lawsuits. For example, the Company may use medical information to review treatment and services provided at the Company or to evaluate the performance of its staff and contractors in caring for you.

To Individuals or Family Members Involved in Your Health Care.

Unless you object, the Company may disclose medical information about you to a member of your family, a relative, close friend or any other person that you identify who is involved in your care. The Company may also tell your family or friends, personal representative, or any other person who is responsible for your care, of your location, general condition or death, unless you object.

Emergencies.

The Company may disclose medical information about you to a public or private entity assisting in disaster relief so that your family can be notified about your condition, status, or location. You may object to this disclosure with a written request. However, if you are not available or are unable to agree or object, or in some emergency circumstances, the Company will use its professional judgment to decide whether this disclosure is in your best interest.

As Required By Law.

The Company will disclose your health information when required to do so by federal, state or local law.

Workers’ Compensation.

The Company may release medical information about you for workers’ compensation or similar programs. These programs provide benefits for work-related injuries or illness.

For Public Health Activities.

The Company may disclose medical information about you for public health activities. These purposes generally include the following: (1) To prevent or control disease, injury, or disability; (2) To report deaths; (3) To report abuse or neglect of children, elders, and dependent adults; (4) To report reactions to medications or problems with products; (5) To notify people of recalls of products they may be using; and (6) To notify a person who may have been exposed to a disease or who may be at risk for contracting or spreading a disease or condition.

For Health Oversight Activities.

The Company may disclose medical information about you to a health oversight agency for activities authorized by law.

For Lawsuits and Disputes.

The Company may disclose medical information about you in response to a court or administrative order, subpoena, discovery request, or other lawful process.

Disclosure to Law Enforcement.

If asked to do so by law enforcement and as authorized or required by law, the Company may release medical information: (1) To identify or locate a suspect, fugitive, material witness, or missing person; (2) About a suspected victim of a crime if, under certain limited circumstances, we are unable to obtain the person’s agreement; (3) About a death suspected to be the result of criminal conduct; (4) About criminal conduct at the Company; and (5) In case of a medical emergency, to report a crime, the location of the crime or victims, or the identity, description or location of the person who committed the crime.

Decedents.

The Company may release medical information about you to a coroner or medical examiner. This may be necessary, for example, to identify a deceased person or determine the cause of death. The Company may also release medical information about you to funeral directors. The Company may also release information to any individual known to the Company as a family member, close personal friend of the family, or any other person identified, who was involved in your care or the payment for your care prior to your death, unless you indicate otherwise. Your medical information may be used or disclosed to others without your authorization after fifty (50) years from the date of your death.

For Specialized Government Functions.

The Company may disclose medical information about you to authorized federal officials for intelligence, counter intelligence, and other national security activities.

Information About Inmates/Individuals in Custody.

If you are an inmate or under the custody of a law enforcement official, the Company may release medical information about you to the correctional institution or law enforcement official responsible for you as authorized or required by law.

Disclosure For Threats to Health and Safety.

In certain circumstances, the Company may be required to disclose medical information to avert a serious threat to your health and safety or the health and safety of another person as required by law enforcement. The use or disclosure will be made in compliance with the law and will be limited to the relevant requirements of the law.

Marketing.

The Company will not release your medical information for marketing purposes without an authorization from you.

Sale of Medical Information.

The Company will not sell your medical information without an authorization from you.