SMS Privacy and Data Protection Policy

The purpose of the SMS Privacy and Data Protection policy is to establish processes and procedures for managing data obtained through SMS activities. This policy covers all SMS based interactions that involve the collection, storage, and processing of personal and/or patient data. It serves to assure compliance with data protection laws such as HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.

Privacy

SMS Opt-In consent, phone numbers, names and other relevant information we collect for the purpose of SMS will not be shared with third parties or affiliates in any circumstance. Cedar Valley is dedicated to protecting your privacy and ensuring that all communications sent via SMS comply with all regulations regarding user consent.

SMS Terms and Conditions

Welcome to [Cedar Valley]. By opting in to receive SMS communications from us, you agree to these Terms of Service. Please read them carefully.

Data Collection

Types of data collected: This includes mobile phone numbers, name, text message content, and, depending on the context, may include other personal identifiers as necessary for appointment reminders, notifications and other related information.

Data Security

We use industry-standard encryption and access controls to safeguard your information. Cedar Valley Psychiatry (Cedar Valley or CVP) is committed to safeguarding personal and patient data collected through our SMS communications. We use restricted access controls and secure storage solutions to protect your data from unauthorized access. We retain your contact data for as long as needed to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. Personal information is securely deleted after a specific period or upon request, or unless otherwise legally required.”

Data Retention

Your data is kept only as long as required by healthcare regulations. After this period, it is deleted unless otherwise mandated by law.

SMS Opt-In Procedures

Individuals can subscribe to receive SMS messages from Cedar Valley by:

• Texting a specific keyword to our designated phone number
• When filling out health care communication forms
•  

Sample Opt-In SMS texts

• Hello! Text YES to confirm Cedar Valley can send recurring text messages.
• You are confirmed. Messages are recurring and frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.. Text STOP to cancel. HELP for help. Read full terms and privacy policy here: https://cedarvp.com/policies/sms 
• Hello [name], this is [name] from Cedar Valley. You filled out an online form and said we could text you at this number. To confirm please reply Yes? ”

Confirmation of subscription: Once an opt-out request is received, the subscriber will be removed from future communications and will receive a final SMS confirmation.

Managing Subscriber Lists

We regularly verify the consent of all individuals on our subscriber list to ensure compliance with legal standards and that only those who have explicitly agreed to receive messages are contacted.

Data accuracy: We maintain the accuracy of our subscriber lists by updating them regularly to remove opt-outs and correct any errors in subscriber information

User Rights

Data subjects have the right to:

• Access, correct, and request the deletion of their personal data.
• Withdraw consent at any time by opting out of SMS communications.

References