Notice of Privacy Practices
This notice describes how health information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can access 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 state law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information. We are also required to give you this Notice of Privacy Practices describing our legal duties, privacy practices, and your rights regarding your health information. We must follow the terms of this notice while it is in effect.
This notice is effective as of February 3, 2026, and will remain in effect until we replace it.
We reserve the right to change our privacy practices and the terms of this notice at any time, provided such changes are permitted by law. Any changes will apply to all health information we maintain about you. A revised notice will be available upon request, in our office, and on our website.
As required by law, we will notify you promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information.
You have the right to receive this notice in paper or electronic form at any time. For more information about our privacy practices, or for additional copies of this notice please contact us using the information listed at the end of this notice.
Uses and Disclosures of Health Information
Treatment and Payment: We may use or disclose your health information to a physician, dentist, or other healthcare provider involved in your care. We may also use and disclose your health information to obtain payment for services we provide to you.
Appointment Reminders: We may use or disclose your health information to provide appointment reminders, such as voicemail messages, text messages, or emails.
Healthcare Operations: We may use and disclose your health information for healthcare operations, including quality assessment and improvement activities, reviewing the qualifications and performance of healthcare professionals, conducting training programs, accreditation, certification, licensing, and credentialing activities.
Business Associates: We may disclose your health information to third parties, known as business associates, that help us operate our practice, provide treatment, or bill for services. Business associates are required by law to protect the privacy of your information.
Your Authorization: In addition to uses for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations, we may use or disclose your health information only with your written authorization. You may revoke an authorization in writing at any time. Revocation will not affect any use or disclosure already made while the authorization was in effect.
Your Choices: You have choices regarding how certain health information is shared. You may tell us whether we may share information with family members, close friends, or others involved in your care. You may also request that your information not be included in a facility directory, where applicable. You have both the right and choice to tell us to share your health information during disaster relief situations.
If you are unable to express your preferences, we may share your information if we believe it is in your best interest. We may also share information when necessary to reduce a serious and imminent threat to health or safety.
Other Uses Permitted or Required by Law
Public Health and Safety: We may disclose your health information for public health activities, including preventing disease, reporting adverse reactions to medications, assisting with product recalls, reporting suspected abuse or neglect, or preventing serious threats to health or safety. We have to meet many conditions in the law before we can share your information for these purposes. For more information see: www.hhs.gov/orc/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/index.html
Substance Use Disorder Records: Substance use disorder records, if applicable, are protected under 42 CFR Part 2. These records may be used or disclosed for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations as permitted by law. Disclosure for legal proceedings requires your written consent or a court order.
Required by Law: We may use or disclose your health information when required by law, including in response to a court or administrative order or subpoena.
Organ and Tissue Donation: We may share health information with organ procurement organizations.
Medical Examiners and Funeral Directors: We may share health information with a coroner, medical examiner, or funeral director when an individual dies.
Workers’ Compensation and Law Enforcement: We may disclose your health information for workers’ compensation claims, law enforcement purposes, health oversight activities, or special government functions such as military, national security, or presidential protective services.
Marketing and Fundraising
We will not use or disclose your health information for marketing purposes without your written authorization, except as permitted by law. We will never sell your health information. We must obtain your written authorization for any marketing that involves direct marketing communications paid by a third party.
We may contact you for fundraising purposes, but you have the right to opt out at any time. If substance use disorder records are involved, you will be given the opportunity to opt out before any such communication.
Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information: When it comes to your health information, you have certain rights. This section explains your rights and some of our responsibilities to help you.
Access: You have the right to inspect or obtain copies of your health information in paper or electronic form, with limited exceptions. Requests must be made in writing. We may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee for copying and mailing.
Accounting of Disclosures: You have the right to receive an accounting of certain disclosures of your health information made during the past six years, excluding disclosures for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, and certain other permitted disclosures. This accounting may include disclosures made through electronic health information exchanges, where applicable. One accounting is free each year; additional requests may incur a reasonable fee.
Restrictions: You may request restrictions on how we use or disclose your health information. We are not required to agree, but if we do, we will comply unless disclosure is needed for emergency treatment. If you pay for a service in full out-of-pocket, you may request that information not be shared with your health insurer for payment or operations, unless disclosure is required by law.
Alternative Communication: You may request that we communicate with you in a specific way or at a specific location. Requests must be made in writing and explain how payment will be handled. We will accommodate reasonable requests.
Amendment: You may request that we amend your health information if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete. Requests must be made in writing and explain the reason for the amendment. We may deny the request under certain circumstances.
Questions and Complaints: If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, or if you disagree with a decision we made regarding your health information, you may contact us using the information below.
You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
Phone: 1-877-696-6775
Website: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints
We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.
Contact Officer
Dr. Natalie Laucius, DMD
40 Portsmouth Ave
Exeter, NH 03833
Phone: 603-778-0400
Fax: 603-772-9427