Privacy Policy

PRIVACY POLICY

Last updated on 5/12/2024

Please read this Privacy Policy (“Policy”) carefully. The users, subscribers, partners, and viewers accept the terms of this Policy by accessing and/or utilizing the services of Bridge To Life Clinical Consultants (the “BTLCC” or “Company”). The users acknowledge that they agree to this Policy and accept the rights and obligations created by it. This Policy is drafted to outline the privacy policy of the Company. This Policy is designed to comply with applicable laws and standards.

INTRODUCTION

1. Purpose of the Privacy Policy: The purpose of this Privacy Policy is to provide a comprehensive and clear understanding of the types of personal information we collect, how this information is utilized, and the circumstances under which it may be disclosed. The policy is designed to ensure that our practices align with our foundational ethics of respect, dignity, and confidentiality in patient care. It outlines the rights of our patients and users, explaining how they can access, modify, and control the use of their personal information. Additionally, this policy addresses our compliance with applicable federal and state laws, particularly those governing healthcare information privacy and consumer data protection.

1. Commitment to Data Privacy: BTLCC is steadfast in its commitment to protecting the privacy and security of all personal and health-related information entrusted to us. We implement state-of-the-art security measures, abide by stringent compliance protocols, and continuously update our practices to safeguard against unauthorized access, use, alteration, or destruction of personal data. Our commitment extends beyond mere compliance with legal standards; we aim to establish and maintain the trust and confidence of our community by ensuring that every interaction with BTLCC is secure and respects individual privacy preferences.

1. Scope of Applicability: This Privacy Policy applies to all data collected through various interactions with our organization, whether it occurs online via our official website (https://www.btlcc.org), through our Facebook application, during the use of our mobile apps, or through any direct healthcare services, sales, marketing initiatives, or events. It encompasses all platforms and means through which personal information may be collected from patients and users, including but not limited to electronic records, paper forms, and telephonic communications. The policy outlines our practices for data collected both offline and online, ensuring comprehensive coverage and uniform standards for data handling across all BTLCC services and interactions.

INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1. Personal Identification Information (PII)

1. 1. Directly Provided Information: We collect personal identification information directly from our patients and users when they interact with our services. This includes, but is not limited to, information provided during the registration process, appointment scheduling, and service inquiries. The typical categories of directly provided information include:

1. 1. 1. First and Last Name: To personalize patient care and identify records.
    2. Mailing Address: For sending correspondence and essential healthcare information.
    3. Email Address and Phone Number: Necessary for communication regarding appointments, health updates, and promotional offers, subject to user consent.
    4. Date of Birth: Used to verify age and ensure appropriate medical care for age-specific health issues.

1. 1. Indirectly Collected Information: In addition to the information you directly provide, we also collect data through indirect means, such as through third-party service providers and technological tracking tools. These sources help enhance our understanding of user behavior and improve service delivery: analytics data from website and app usage helps us understand user interactions and preferences; information from third-party partners, such as insurance companies, can include coverage details necessary for billing and care provision; and social media integrations may provide demographic information that helps tailor our communication strategies.

1. Health and Medical Information: Critical to our operations is the collection of health and medical information, which allows us to provide tailored healthcare services effectively:

1. 1. Medical History and Current Health Conditions: To offer accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
  2. Treatment Records and Test Results: For ongoing care and management of treatments.
  3. Medication Information: To manage prescriptions and avoid potential drug interactions.

1. Device and Usage Information: We gather information about the devices and methods our patients and users employ to access our services. This data is integral to optimizing our platforms and ensuring compatibility:

1. 1. IP Addresses and Device Types: To ensure our website and apps function correctly across different devices and platforms.
  2. Browsing Behaviors and Interaction with our Digital Properties: Helps in improving user interface design and functionality.
  3. Cookie Data: Tracks preferences and usage patterns to enhance user experience and provide personalized content.

1. Information from Children: BTLCC is committed to protecting the privacy of children. In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), we do not knowingly collect any personal information from children under the age of 13 without parental consent: If a child under thirteen (13) years of age inadvertently registers on our site or app without parental consent, the account is flagged and deactivated. We encourage parents and guardians to monitor their children's internet usage and to help enforce our Privacy Policy by instructing their children never to provide personal information through our digital platforms without their permission.

HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

1. To Provide and Manage Services: We use the information collected to deliver and enhance the medical services we offer. This includes but is not limited to diagnosing and treating health conditions, scheduling and managing appointments, and responding to inquiries and emergencies. Our use of your health and medical information is crucial in tailoring our services to meet your specific health needs effectively. By understanding your medical history and any current treatments, we can offer personalized care plans that significantly improve your health outcomes.

1. For Account Management: Your personal identification information aids in the creation, management, and maintenance of your account with us. We utilize this data to verify your identity, communicate important account notices, and provide updates on our services that are relevant to your health interests and needs. This also includes managing your preferences for communication, ensuring that you receive information in the most convenient and preferred manner. Effective account management allows us to maintain a continuous, secure, and personalized interaction with you.

1. Legal Compliance and Enforcement: Compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards is fundamental to our operations. We use your information to comply with legal obligations, such as maintaining records for health oversight activities, reporting to health authorities, and adhering to regulations regarding the treatment of medical information. Additionally, we may use your information in the context of legal claims, compliance, regulatory, and investigative purposes as necessary, including in connection with law enforcement requests based on public safety requirements.

1. Marketing and Communication Efforts: With your prior express consent, we use your contact information to send you promotional messages and newsletters about new health services, upcoming events, and general health advice that may be of interest to you. Our marketing activities are conducted with the aim of enhancing your awareness of health matters that could positively impact your well-being. You have the right to opt-out of receiving such communications at any time, and we ensure that it is straightforward to do so, respecting your communication preferences as part of our commitment to your privacy.

1. Research and Development: Your non-identifiable information may be used for research and development purposes to enhance our understanding of healthcare trends, outcomes, and effectiveness. By analyzing this data, we aim to improve existing services and innovate new solutions that meet the evolving needs of our patients. This research also helps us to optimize our website and apps, ensuring they are user-friendly and meet the highest standards of patient care and data security.

SHARING OF YOUR INFORMATION

1. With Service Providers and Partners: We engage various third-party service providers and partners to facilitate the efficient delivery of our healthcare services. These partners include medical specialists, laboratories, IT support, and data storage providers, among others. Sharing information with these service providers allows us to provide seamless healthcare services, including but not limited to diagnostic support, treatment options, and enhanced patient care management. All third-party service providers are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and are only given access to the information necessary to perform their specific functions.

1. For Legal and Safety Reasons: We may share your information if required by law or if necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of BTLCC, our patients, or others. This includes sharing information with other companies, lawyers, agents, or government agencies. Information may be disclosed in response to a court order, subpoena, or other legal processes, or to comply with regulatory or investigative requirements. We strive to ensure that any disclosure of data is minimal and strictly in accordance with the required legal standards. The Company maintains strict privacy policies to protect the personal information of its users obtained for text message communications. This information is never sold, rented, released, or traded to third parties without the prior written consent of the users or in case of a legal obligation. Any sharing of personal information with third parties is solely for the purpose of fulfilling the Company’s obligations to the users. We guarantee that it will never be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

1. Business Transfers and Affiliations: In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, bankruptcy, or other similar event, your personal information may be transferred to our successor or assignee, if permitted by and done in accordance with applicable law. We will disclose information under these circumstances only to ensure the continuity of service and care under the terms of this privacy policy.

1. With Your Consent: Apart from the sharing described in the previous categories, we may share your information with other parties with your prio express consent. This could include new services that require data sharing to be functional, or sharing with non-affiliated third parties who wish to market products or services to you. You will always have the right to opt out of such sharing, and we will ensure that such preferences are respected and implemented promptly.

YOUR CHOICES AND CONTROLS

1. Managing Your Information: We provide you with the tools to manage the accuracy and completeness of your information. Through your account settings on our website or app, you can update your personal and health information at any time to ensure it reflects your current health status and contact details accurately. This capability is fundamental to our commitment to provide you with personalized healthcare services that are based on the most current information you provide.

1. Opting Out of Communications: You have specific rights regarding how we communicate with you, and you can choose to opt out of certain types of communications at any time.

1. 1. Email and Direct Mail: You can opt out of receiving marketing emails or direct mail from us by using the “UNSUBSCRIBE” link provided at the bottom of each email we send. For direct mail, you can update your preferences by contacting our customer service team through the contact information provided on our website. It is our policy to process these requests promptly to respect your privacy preferences.

1. 1. SMS and Text Messages (10DLC Requirements): In compliance with the 10DLC regulations, we provide clear options for you to manage your preferences for SMS and text message communications. To opt-in, you can follow the instructions provided at the point of sign-up or within the user interface of our app. To opt-out, simply reply “STOP” to any message you receive. This will immediately remove you from our SMS communications list, and no further messages will be sent unless you opt back in. We do not share clients phone numbers or any other information collected from the SMS consent with 3^rd parties, or affiliates for marketing purposes.

1. 1. Opting Out of Communications: The Company offers Users the option to opt-in to receive communications, including text messages, in compliance with the 10DLC standards and other applicable regulations. By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from the Company. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Users who have previously opted in may choose to opt-out of receiving such communications at any time. To facilitate this, the Company provides clear and simple mechanisms for Users to withdraw their consent, such as unsubscribe links in emails or instructions in text messages. The Company ensures that opting out is as easy as opting in, respecting Users’ preferences regarding communication and engagement. If you are receiving text messages from the Company and wish to stop receiving them, simply respond with either “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE” to the number from which you received the message. Once the Company receives your message, you will no longer receive further text messages from the Company.

1. Rights to Access and Control Your Personal Data: BTLCC is committed to not only respecting your privacy but also providing you access to the data we collect about you. You have the right to request access to your personal information, to seek corrections, to restrict how we use or share your information, and under certain circumstances, to ask for your data to be deleted. Requests for access to your data can be made via our website or by contacting our privacy office directly. We are dedicated to facilitating these requests efficiently and without undue delay, in compliance with applicable laws.

DATA SECURITY

1. Security Measures Employed: BTLCC employs a multifaceted approach to data security, incorporating the latest technological advancements and best practices in information security. Our security measures are designed to protect data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include, but are not limited to:

1. 1. Encryption: All sensitive data transmitted to and from our systems is encrypted using industry-standard protocols such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS). This ensures that your data remains confidential and intact during transmission.

1. 1. Access Control: We implement strict access controls that limit access to your personal information to only those employees, contractors, and agents who need it to perform their job responsibilities. All individuals with access to sensitive data are trained on our privacy and security policies.

1. 1. Data Minimization: We adhere to the principles of data minimization, ensuring that only the necessary amount of personal information is collected, used, and retained for processing your healthcare needs and legal compliance.

1. 1. Regular Audits and Monitoring: Our systems are regularly tested and monitored for vulnerabilities. Security audits are conducted periodically to ensure that our security policies and procedures are up to date and effective in protecting your information.

1. 1. Physical Security: Physical measures are in place to secure the environments that house our systems. These measures include surveillance systems, locks, access control protocols, and secure disposal of physical records.

1. Data Breach Response Protocol: In the unlikely event of a data breach, BTLCC has established a formal incident response protocol to effectively manage and mitigate any potential damage. Our response protocol includes the following steps:

1. 1. Detection and Identification: Upon detection of a potential security breach, our security team is immediately notified. We then assess the scope and origin of the breach to identify the affected systems and data.

1. 1. Containment and Eradication: Quick containment actions are taken to limit the impact of the breach. This may involve disabling affected systems, revoking access, or any other necessary measures to prevent further unauthorized access or data loss.

1. 1. Notification: We comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the notification of individuals whose data may have been compromised. Notifications are made without undue delay, generally within seventy-two (72) hours of becoming aware of the breach, unless otherwise instructed by law enforcement during their preliminary investigation.

1. 1. Investigation and Remediation: A thorough investigation is conducted to understand how the breach occurred and to implement measures to prevent future occurrences. This includes a review of our internal security protocols and the potential strengthening of data protection measures.

1. 1. Documentation and Review: Every incident is documented, detailing the cause, effect, and remedial actions taken. These reports are used to improve our security posture and response strategies over time.

DATA RETENTION

1. Retention Periods: BTLCC adheres to the following principles when determining the retention period for various types of data:

1. 1. Health and Medical Information: We retain medical records, including treatment histories, diagnoses, and other health-related information, for the period required by healthcare regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Typically, this period extends for several years from the date of the last patient interaction, as prescribed by state and federal laws.

1. 1. Personal Identification Information (PII): Personal details such as name, address, contact information, and demographic data are retained as long as the individual remains an active patient or user of our services. Should you choose to close your account or withdraw your consent for processing, we will initiate processes to either delete or anonymize your PII, unless further retention is required for legal or audit purposes.

1. 1. Financial Information: Details related to transactions, billing, and payments are retained for a period necessary to complete the transactions and to comply with financial reporting, audit, and tax requirements.

1. 1. Web and Application Usage Data: Data collected through our digital platforms, which helps us enhance user experience and service delivery, is typically held for a shorter duration, generally not exceeding one year from the date of collection, unless extended retention is necessary for analytical, security, or regulatory reasons.

1. Data Deletion and Anonymization Processes: Once the retention period expires, BTLCC takes appropriate steps to either permanently delete or anonymize personal information, thereby reducing any risks associated with its storage. The following are key components of our data deletion and anonymization protocols:

1. 1. Deletion: Personal data that is no longer necessary for any legal, business, or health-related purpose is securely deleted from all our systems and backups. We use industry-standard techniques to ensure that the data cannot be recovered or reconstructed.

1. 1. Anonymization: In cases where the information may still serve legitimate research or statistical purposes, we remove all identifiable markers from the data, ensuring that individuals cannot be re-identified. This anonymized data might be used for enhancing healthcare services, supporting public health initiatives, or for academic research in collaboration with trusted institutions.

1. 1. Audit and Review: Our data retention and deletion practices are regularly audited to ensure compliance with legal obligations and our internal privacy policies. Adjustments are made in response to changes in regulations, operational needs, and technological advancements.

CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

1. Protections for Minors: BTLCC is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations concerning the protection of children's privacy, including the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). We do not knowingly collect, use, or disclose personal information from children under thirteen (13) years of age without prior parental consent or as permitted by law. If it comes to our attention that we have collected personal data from a child under thirteen (13) without verification of parental consent, we will take steps to remove that information from our servers as quickly as possible. At the point of collection, we implement age-verification mechanisms to ensure compliance with age restrictions. This helps prevent the accidental collection of personal information from minors without appropriate parental consent. When personal information is to be collected from a child under thirteen (13), we provide a clear and comprehensive description of the information being collected, its use, and disclosure practices directly to the parent or guardian. Parental consent is obtained through methods that legally suffice by providing assurance that the person giving consent is the child’s parent or guardian.

1. Parental Controls and Involvement: To further ensure the protection of children's privacy, we provide parents and guardians with the ability to access, review, manage, and delete their child’s personal information.

1. 1. Access and Review: Parents and guardians have the right to request access to and review their child’s personal information. This can be done by contacting our Privacy Office through the contact details provided in our Privacy Policy.

1. 1. Management and Deletion: We offer parents and guardians the option to manage their child's personal information, including the ability to restrict further collection or use of their child's data and request the deletion of the data where applicable. These requests are treated with high priority and are executed as quickly as possible to ensure the child's information remains protected.

1. 1. Education and Resources: BTLCC provides educational materials and resources to parents and guardians to help them understand the risks and management of children's online activities and personal information.

USE OF COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGY

1. Types and Purposes of Cookies Used

1. 1. Essential Cookies: These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features, such as access to secure areas. Without these cookies, services like billing cannot be provided.

1. 1. Performance and Functionality Cookies: These cookies are used to enhance the performance and functionality of our website but are non-essential to their use. However, without these cookies, certain functionality may become unavailable.

1. 1. Analytics and Customization Cookies: These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website for you in order to enhance your experience.

1. 1. Advertising Cookies: These cookies are used to make advertising messages more relevant to you. They perform functions like preventing the same ad from continuously reappearing, ensuring that ads are properly displayed for advertisers, and in some cases selecting advertisements that are based on your interests.

1. 1. Social Media Cookies: These cookies are used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on our website through third-party social networking and other websites. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes too.

1. Managing Cookie Preferences: You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can exercise your cookie preferences by setting or amending your web browser controls to accept or refuse cookies. If you choose to reject cookies, you may still use our website though your access to some functionality and areas of our website may be restricted.

1. 1. Browser Settings: The Help feature on most browsers provides information on how to accept cookies, disable cookies, or to notify you when receiving a new cookie.

1. 1. Third-Party Tools: Various third parties provide tools to manage the collection and use of certain information by advertisers through cookies. You can opt out of the use of cookies by some third-party vendors by going to the Network Advertising Initiative's opt-out page or by using the links provided in our cookie consent banner.

YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS

1. Review and Update of Account Information: You have the right to review and update the personal information that you have provided to us. You can access your account settings directly if you have created an account on our website or any of our Apps. Here, you can update your personal details, such as your name, address, email address, and telephone number. It is important to keep your personal information accurate and up-to-date, and we encourage you to review your information regularly to ensure it is correct. If you encounter any issues or require assistance, our customer service team is available to help you make any necessary changes.

1. Data Portability and Deletion Rights: Under certain circumstances, you have the right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. This enables you to obtain and reuse your personal data for your own purposes across different services. Additionally, you have the right to request the deletion of your personal data that we hold. Such a request will result in the removal of your data from our active databases and where feasible from our backup systems. Please be aware that we might maintain information as necessary to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

1. Opting Out of Data Collection and Use: You have the right to opt out of certain uses and disclosures of your personal information. Where you have consented to the processing of your personal information, you may withdraw that consent at any time. Furthermore, you can opt out of the collection and use of certain information, which we collect about you by automated means. For instance, you can manage the use of cookies and tracking technologies via your browser settings. You also have the option to opt out of receiving marketing communications from us by following the unsubscribe link or instructions provided in any email we send or by contacting us directly. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the contact information provided in our privacy notice. We will respond to your request in accordance with applicable law and our internal policies. Please note that for requests to delete personal information, we may be required to retain some information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes. We appreciate your understanding in these matters.

DO-NOT-TRACK FEATURES

1. Explanation of DNT: Do-Not-Track (DNT) is a concept that has been promoted by regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for the Internet industry to develop and implement a mechanism for allowing internet users to control the tracking of their online activities across websites by using browser settings. The DNT feature is a setting that users can set in their browser to notify websites and services that they do not want certain information about their webpage visits collected over time and across websites or online services.

1. BTLCC’s Response to DNT Signals: BTLCC respects the privacy of our users. When we detect a DNT signal from your browser, we will not track your activities across the websites we own and manage, nor will we allow third parties to collect personally identifiable information about your online activities over time and across different websites when you use our sites and services. It is important to note that some websites may not respond to DNT requests, not because they do not respect user privacy, but because the standards for DNT have not been universally adopted by industry groups, technology companies, or regulators. Therefore, the lack of a consistent approach to DNT has led to variance in how websites respond to DNT signals. Despite these issues, our commitment to your privacy remains strong. We believe in offering you choices about the data collected for targeted advertising and other purposes, and we strive to provide you with control over your personal information management.

POLICY UPDATES AND CHANGES

1. Notification of Changes: BTLCC reserves the right to amend this privacy policy at any time in order to address new issues and reflect changes on our site or in the law. We will post those changes here so that you will always know what information we gather, how we might use that information, and whether we will disclose it to anyone. All modifications to our privacy policy will be effective upon posting to our website unless otherwise noted. The date of the most recent revisions will appear on this page, so check back often to ensure continuing familiarity with our privacy practices. If significant changes are made — especially those affecting how we collect, use, or treat personal information — we will provide more prominent notice by additional means such as email or notification on our website's homepage. Our commitment is to ensure you are fully informed of how these changes might impact you.

1. Accessing the Updated Policy: To ensure transparency, the latest version of our privacy policy is always accessible on our website. We encourage our users to review our privacy policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting the personal information we collect. Your continued use of the service constitutes your agreement to the policy and any updates. For ease of access, each version of the privacy policy will include a date at the top of the document so you can see when it last was revised. If you have any questions or concerns about the policy or its implementation, you may contact us using the details provided in the contact section of this policy. We are committed to addressing your concerns about your privacy and our collection or use of your personal information.

CONTACT US

1. Contact Information for Privacy Concerns: If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about our Privacy Policy or the practices of our site, you are encouraged to contact our privacy compliance officer. They are available to address any issues you may encounter regarding the use, collection, or security of your personal information. Please contact us at:

Email: info@btlcc.org

Phone: +1 848-444-1962

Postal Address:

Bridge To Life Clinical Consultants

811 Washington Road

Parlin, NJ 08859

United States

We strive to respond to all queries and concerns within a reasonable timeframe and in a professional manner. Our privacy compliance officer is tasked with ensuring that your data is handled securely and in accordance with applicable privacy laws and our internal policies.

1. Official Communication Channels: For your security and to ensure consistent and professional communication, BTLCC has established official channels through which all communications regarding your privacy should be conducted. These include our dedicated email, phone number, and postal address listed above. We caution our patients and users against sending sensitive personal information through unsecured channels or to unauthorized individuals. Any updates to our contact information will be communicated through our official website and this Privacy Policy to prevent misinformation and protect your data from unauthorized access. To ensure transparency and accessibility, our official communication channels are monitored regularly, and all correspondence is managed with the utmost care. We are committed to providing clear, accurate, and timely information to support your rights to privacy and data protection.