Notice of Privacy Practices
Big Grins Pediatric Dentistry
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY. THE PRIVACY OF YOUR HEALTH INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT TO US.
OUR LEGAL DUTY
We are required by applicable federal and Colorado law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information (PHI). We are also required to provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices describing our legal duties, privacy practices, and your rights regarding your PHI. We must follow the privacy practices described in this Notice while it is in effect.
This Notice is effective February 16, 2026, and replaces all prior versions.
We reserve the right to change our privacy practices and the terms of this Notice at any time, as permitted by law. If we make a material change, we will revise this Notice and make the updated version available upon request and on our website.
USES AND DISCLOSURES OF PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION
We may use and disclose your protected health information for treatment, payment, and health care operations.
Treatment: We may use or disclose PHI to dentists, physicians, or other health care providers involved in your care.
Payment: We may use or disclose PHI to bill and collect payment from insurance companies or other third parties.
Health Care Operations: We may use and disclose PHI for quality assessment, training, licensing, accreditation, and other operational activities.
Certain types of health information, such as HIV-related information, genetic information, and mental health information, may be subject to additional protections under applicable state or federal law. We comply with all such applicable requirements.
OTHER PERMITTED USES AND DISCLOSURES
- Your Authorization: Uses or disclosures outside those described in this Notice require your written authorization, which you may revoke in writing.
- Persons Involved in Your Care: We may share PHI with family members or others involved in your care or payment, unless you object.
- Appointment Reminders: We may contact you via phone, voicemail, text, email, or mail.
- Required by Law: We may disclose PHI when required by law.
- Public Health and Safety: We may disclose PHI for public health reporting, health oversight, judicial proceedings, law enforcement purposes, or to prevent a serious threat to health or safety.
- Decedents and National Security: We may disclose PHI as authorized or required by law.
- Secretary of HHS: We will disclose PHI to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services when required for compliance investigations.
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER (SUD) RECORDS
Federal law (42 CFR Part 2) provides special privacy protection for patients receiving substance use disorder treatment.
Our practice does not provide SUD treatment and is not a Part 2 program. We generally do not maintain substance use disorder records. Any references to SUD protections apply only if such records are received from another provider, and we will protect them in accordance with applicable law.
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH INFORMATION PRIVACY
We are committed to protecting the privacy of reproductive health information in accordance with HIPAA and applicable Colorado law.
Reproductive health information may include information related to pregnancy, contraception, fertility services, miscarriage, abortion care, and related services. In a pediatric dental setting, such information is handled only when relevant to care coordination, medical history, referrals, or as otherwise permitted for treatment, payment, or health care operations.
We do not use or disclose reproductive health information for the purpose of investigating, penalizing, or imposing liability on any individual for seeking, obtaining, providing, or facilitating lawful reproductive health care.
We do not disclose reproductive health information to law enforcement or government agencies for such purposes unless required by law and only after receiving valid legal process.
All permitted uses and disclosures are limited to the minimum necessary and subject to required safeguards.
YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS
You have the right to: – Access and obtain a copy of your health information – Request amendments to your health information – Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures – Request confidential communications – Receive an accounting of certain disclosures – Receive notification of a breach of unsecured PHI – Obtain a paper copy of this Notice upon request
In certain circumstances, minors may have rights to control access to specific health information as permitted by Colorado law.
COMPLAINTS AND QUESTIONS
If you have questions or concerns about this Notice or believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may contact us or file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Privacy Official: Office Manager
Big Grins Pediatric Dentistry
3221 Eastbrook Drive, Suite A-101
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone: 970-407-1020
Email: officemanager@gobiggrins.com
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