Our Commitment to Patient Privacy
Each time a patient sees a physician, is admitted to a hospital, undergoes outpatient testing, fills a prescription with a pharmacist or sends a claim to a health plan, a record is made of the patient's health information. Until 1996, the confidentiality of patient health information was protected by a patchwork of state laws, which, some people argued, left gaps in the protection of patients' privacy and confidentiality. As part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"), Congress recognized the need for national standards for patient privacy. As a result of HIPAA's mandate, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) issued national patient privacy and security standards in 2000. In follow up to the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (the “HITECH Act”), which was passed as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, DHHS updated those national patient privacy and security standards in 2013.
The privacy of patient health information has always been a high priority of Wolfson Children's Hospital and Florida law has for many years included significant patient privacy protections. This section of our website is intended to provide our patients and their families with information about their privacy rights and our commitment to protect those rights. The information in this section of our website will be updated in the event that our privacy practices change in the future.
Our Patient Privacy Practices
Wolfson Children's Hospital insists that our staff observe patient confidentiality and respect our patients’ right to privacy of health information. Please download the following documents for detailed information on our privacy practices (in PDF format):
- Summary of Privacy Practices
- Complete Notice of Privacy Practices
- Covered Entity Subsidiaries
- Non-discrimination Policy
Authorization to Share Medical Information with Others
There may be situations in which you want your Wolfson Children's Hospital medical provider to share information with third parties, such as your family members, loved ones, your other caregivers or attorney. If so, please download the appropriate document below (in PDF format). Otherwise, please let your healthcare team know, and they can assist you in the proper procedure for giving your consent to share specific information with specific people.
- Authorization to Release Medical Information and Radiology Images
- Authorization for Release of Information for Psychiatric & Psychological Care
- Authorization to Obtain Psychotherapy Notes
- Authorization for Release of Psychotherapy Notes
Request to Restrict the Sharing of Medical Information with Others
You may ask Wolfson Children's Hospital not to use or disclose medical information about you for certain purposes, as further described in the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Notice of Privacy Practices.
Disclosures to Health Plan
You may ask Wolfson Children's Hospital not to disclose medical information to your health plan in certain circumstances for tests, services or healthcare items for which you paid out of pocket in full. You may request a restriction on such disclosures to your health plan by downloading and completing the following form (in PDF format):
Other Disclosures
Wolfson Children's Hospital is not required to agree to a restriction on other types of disclosures (other than the health plan restriction described above), and even if such a restriction is agreed to by Wolfson Children's Hospital it may ignore such restriction in an emergency. You may request a restriction on other types of disclosures by downloading and completing the following form (in PDF format):
- Request to Restrict Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information
- Baptist Connect Private Health Information Exchanges Patient Electronic Health Opt Out Form
Other Patient Privacy Forms
This document outlines the policies and practices of Baptist Health System, Inc., a Florida not-for-profit corporation d/b/a Baptist Health ("Baptist_Health"), regarding the collection and use of personal information about employee, visitor, patient and general public users (collectively, "Users") of the various web sites and web pages operated and maintained by Baptist Health and its affiliates (collectively, the "Baptist Health Web Site").
To effectively monitor usage and improve the quality of the Baptist Health Web Site, Baptist Health reserves the right to gather general information about the use of the Baptist Health Web Site. Baptist Health may utilize server logs and industry-standard web site statistics software to count the number of Users visiting the Baptist Health Web Site and to count the number of views of particular pages, as well as to track other general usage statistics. As a general practice, Baptist Health will not track specific lawful Users' visits to the Baptist Health Web Site. At times, Baptist Health may find it necessary or desirable to share with third-parties certain aggregate, anonymous information about overall usage of the Baptist Health Web Site, in order to provide general information about our Internet services, sell advertising or establish sponsorships, or other business relationships. Baptist Health will not, however, share any information about specific lawful Users.
If Users voluntarily submit personally-identifiable information to Baptist Health in connection with or through the Baptist Health Web Site, such Users should be aware that (i) various individuals at Baptist Health may see such information, (ii) Baptist Health may enter such information in its electronic databases to share with its physicians other healthcare providers and researchers, and (iii) Baptist Health may disclose such information as it determines in good faith is required by law. Baptist Health will not disclose personally-identifiable information about a User's medical condition or interests, unless it determines in good faith that such disclosure is required by law.
Users should be aware that no one, including Baptist Health, can give an absolute assurance that information intended to be maintained as private, whether transmitted via the Internet or otherwise, cannot be accessed inappropriately or unlawfully by third-parties. Baptist Health has, however, taken and will continue to take reasonable steps, such as encryption when appropriate, to ensure the secure and safe transmission of information to and from the Baptist Health Web Site. If Users are sending Baptist Health information that is very sensitive, or includes diagnosis, medical history or financial information, such Users may want to consider sending such information via postal mail instead. Baptist Health will not distribute or sell the e-mail addresses of Users to any third-party.
Some portions of the Baptist Health Web Site may utilize "cookie" technology. Cookies are small data files that are sent by a web site and stored on an individual's computer. Cookies from the Baptist Health Web Site may contain information about a specific User's use of the Baptist Health Web Site, but are not used to identify or track such User personally. If a User does not want to accept cookies from the Baptist Health Web Site, most web browsers have a setting to turn off or warn before the automatic acceptance of cookies. Users should be aware, however, that some portions of the Baptist Health Web Site may not function properly if cookies are not accepted.
The terms of this document may be changed from time to time by Baptist Health, and such changes are effective immediately upon posting. Users are responsible for regularly reviewing this document. Access to and use of the Baptist Health Web Site constitutes Users' (i) acknowledgment of and agreement to all of the terms and conditions of this document, and (ii) irrevocable consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, United States of America, in all disputes arising out of or relating to the Baptist Health Web Site.
Other Internet Sites
Linked Web Sites are provided solely for the convenience of Users. Accessing such links will cause Users to leave the Baptist Health Web Site. While reasonable efforts have been made to only include appropriate Linked Web Sites, Baptist Health (i) does not represent that Linked Web Sites do not contain objectionable content or links; (ii) does not represent that it has reviewed Linked Web Sites in their entirety; (iii) has no control over Linked Web Sites; (iv) does not guarantee the accuracy of any information contained in Linked Web Sites; and (v) does not endorse or make any representations regarding any owners, operators or sponsors of Linked Web Sites or any information, opinions, materials, products, services, treatments or results offered, advertised, recommended, endorsed, reviewed, discussed, represented or referenced on Linked Web Sites. Users who rely upon information, opinions, materials, products, services, treatments or results offered, advertised, recommended, endorsed, reviewed, discussed, represented or referenced on Linked Web Sites DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK.
Health is providing information and services on the Internet as a benefit to Users. The Baptist Health Web Site is intended for mature users. Users under the age of eighteen should not access, use, download from or post to the Baptist Health Web Site without the involvement of a parent or guardian.
Although every effort is made to ensure that the material on the Baptist Health Web Site is accurate and up-to-date, it is provided for the convenience of the user and should not be considered official. The user is advised to refer to and rely upon the official version of any information on the Baptist Health Web Site when making significant decisions of judgments. The official version of any information on the Baptist Health Web Site may be obtained by contacting the Baptist Health Corporate Communications & Marketing, 841 Prudential Drive, Aetna Building Floor 18, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
All images, text, programs, and other materials posted on the Baptist Health Web Site are subject to copyrights owned by Baptist Health and other individuals or entities and are protected by United States copyright laws. Any reproduction, retransmission, distribution or republication of all or part of any images, text, programs, and other materials found on the Baptist Health Web Site is expressly prohibited, unless Baptist Health or the copyright owner of the material has expressly granted its prior written consent to such reproduction, transmission or republication. All other rights reserved.
Any list servers, chatrooms, discussion groups, bulletin boards, or other interactive opportunities available through the Baptist Health Web Site are intended to be maintained in a manner consistent with United States copyright laws. Accordingly, Users should not submit (or post) copyrighted material to the Baptist Health Web Site unless the copyright owner of the material has expressly granted its prior written consent to such submission. Certain areas of the Baptist Health Web Site may allow for the exchange of information between Users and Baptist Health. Users submitting information to Baptist Health grant Baptist Health the authority and right to use such submissions in any way, and by such submissions represent and warrant to Baptist Health that such submissions are not in violation of United States copyright laws. No compensation will be paid with respect to the use of any such submissions, Baptist Health is under no obligation to post or use any such submissions and Baptist Health may remove any such submissions at any time in its sole discretion.
All trademarks, service marks, famous marks, and logos referred to or appearing on the Baptist Health Web Site are the property of their respective owners. The names, trademarks, service marks, famous marks, and logos of Baptist Health appearing on the Baptist Health Web Site may not be used in any advertising or publicity, or otherwise used to indicate Baptist Health's sponsorship of or affiliation with any product or service, without Baptist Health's prior express written permission.
Any information, opinions, materials, products, services, treatments or results offered, advertised, recommended, endorsed, reviewed, discussed, represented or referenced on the Baptist Health Web Site or any web sites linked to the Baptist Health Web Site ("Linked Web Sites") are provided for informational purposes only and are not meant to substitute for the advice provided by Users' own physicians or other medical professionals. The Baptist Health Web Site is designed for educational purposes only and Baptist Health and the providers referenced on the Baptist Health Web Site are not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services over the Internet. Users should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Users who have or suspect that they may have a medical problem, should promptly contact their personal health care providers. Users should never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of any information, opinions, materials, products, services, treatments or results offered, advertised, recommended, endorsed, reviewed, discussed, represented or referenced on the Baptist Health Web Site or any Linked Web Site. Use of the Baptist Health Web Site is not a substitute for professional advice or professional care. Users who rely upon information, opinions, materials, products, services, treatments or results offered, advertised, recommended, endorsed, reviewed, discussed, represented or referenced on the Baptist Health Web Site DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK.
IN NO EVENT WILL BAPTIST HEALTH, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS (OR THIRD PARTIES MENTIONED ON THE BAPTIST HEALTH WEB SITE) BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM LOST PROFITS, LOST DATA, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION OR IDENTITY THEFT) ARISING OUT OF THE USE, INABILITY TO USE, OR THE RESULTS OF USE OF THE BAPTIST HEALTH WEB SITE, ANY LINKED WEB SITES, THE SUBMISSION OF PERSONAL, CORPORATE OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION VIA THE BAPTIST HEALTH WEB SITE OR ANY INFORMATION, OPINIONS, MATERIALS, PRODUCTS, SERVICES, TREATMENTS OR RESULTS OFFERED, ADVERTISED, RECOMMENDED, ENDORSED, REVIEWED, DISCUSSED, REPRESENTED OR REFERENCED ON THE BAPTIST HEALTH WEB SITE OR ANY LINKED WEB SITES, WHETHER BASED ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY AND WHETHER OR NOT ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The Baptist Health Web Site is maintained in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, and all operation and use of the Baptist Health Web Site shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, exclusive of its choice of law rules. By accessing the Baptist Health Web Site, Users irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State and federal courts sitting in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida for any dispute regarding or otherwise arising out of the Baptist Health Web Site or involving Baptist Health and its affiliates, subsidiaries, employees, contractors, officers, directors, telecommunication providers and content providers.
If any provision of this Disclaimer is found to be invalid by any court having competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Disclaimer, which shall remain in full force and effect. No waiver of any term or condition under this Disclaimer shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or condition or any other term or condition under this Disclaimer. Baptist Health may revise and update the terms and conditions of this Disclaimer (and thereby the terms and conditions governing access to and use of the Baptist Health Web Site) at any time. Users are responsible for periodically reviewing this Disclaimer and the other terms, conditions, and privacy statements posted on the Baptist Health Web Site. Continued usage of the Baptist Health Web Site will be considered acceptance of any such changes.
Baptist Health System Foundation, Inc., a Florida not-for-profit corporation d/b/a Baptist Health Foundation (the "Foundation"), 841 Prudential Drive, Suite 1300, Jacksonville, Florida 32207, 904.202.2919, is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that performs charitable fundraising on behalf of Baptist Medical Center, 800 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32207; Baptist Medical Center Beaches, 1350 13th Avenue South, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250; Baptist Medical Center Nassau, 1250 South 18th Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034; Baptist Medical Center South, 14550 St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32258; and Wolfson Children's Hospital, 800 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32207. Donations to the Foundation are very much appreciated, and the Foundation acknowledges all gifts on the above-referenced hospitals' behalf.
According to IRS guidelines, the amount of any deductible contribution to the Foundation for federal income tax purposes is generally the excess of the amount given over the value of any goods or services provided to the giver by the Foundation. Online donations to the Foundation should be tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, as no goods or services are provided in consideration of such gifts. Givers are encouraged, however, to consult with their tax advisors as to the deductibility of any donation to the Foundation.
A copy of the official charitable organization registration and financial information for the Foundation may be obtained from the State of Florida Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within Florida 1-800-HELP FLA (1-800-435-7352). Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State of Florida. Florida registration no. CH3625. While the Foundation welcomes contributions from generous individuals and entities domiciled outside of the State of Florida, the Foundation does not actively solicit contributions outside of the State of Florida, either via an interactive web site or via direct or electronic mailings promoting the Foundation or the Foundation's page(s) on the Baptist Health Site.
The Foundation accepts online donations via an encrypted web form. As part of any such online donation, the Foundation collects standard credit card information (i.e., name, card number, card type and expiration date) and keeps a record of the financial transaction in a secured database. Credit card information collected will be used solely to process the donation. While the Foundation strives to maintain physical, electronic and administrative safeguards to (i) prevent unauthorized access to information collected, (ii) maintain data security and (iii) ensure the correct use of information collected (for example, the Foundation collects such information and processes such financial transactions via secure socket layer (SSL) encrypted sessions, which conform to the industry standard for securing web-based transactions), the Foundation cannot guarantee and does not represent or warrant that the use of its online donation form is invulnerable to security breaks and that information submitted thereby is always secure.
MESSAGING You may opt to receive SMS and MMS text messages from Baptist Health System, Inc., and its affiliates, employees, agents and subcontractors (“Baptist Health”) by providing your mobile phone number through our online forms, or by texting BAPTIST to 76682. By providing your mobile phone number through our forms or by texting BAPTIST to a Baptist Health short code, you expressly consent to receive messages from Baptist Health, and you agree that the following terms and conditions (“Messaging T&Cs”) will apply until you revoke such permission as set forth below.
Baptist Health offers messaging to conveniently provide you with (i) important health updates, (ii) recommendations about the services offered by Baptist Health or (iii) other helpful health resources.
Some of the messages from Baptist Health may include marketing messages. Consent to receive marketing messages is not required as a condition of purchasing any goods or services from Baptist Health.
To stop receiving text messages from Baptist Health, text STOP to 76682. For help, or contact information, text HELP to 76682. You may contact a Baptist Health customer service representative by calling us at 904.202.2000, emailing us at hello@bmcjax.com, or filling out our Contact Us form.
Message and data rates may apply. Baptist Health is able to send messages to most mobile carriers in the United States, but not all. Neither Baptist Health nor mobile carriers are liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Messages may be sent at various times, and you agree that they may be sent by an automatic dialing system. Operational information provided is valid only at the time the message is sent and may change at a later time.
In order to participate, you must be at least 18 years old and control the mobile phone number you provide us. [Alternatively, if you are between the ages of 12 and 18, you must have the consent of a parent or guardian to participate. If you are below 12 years of age, or between 12 and 18 years of age and do not have the consent of a parent or guardian, you must unsubscribe from our messaging program.]
It is your responsibility to notify us if your mobile phone number changes. Baptist Health is not liable for any transmission of information via messaging that occurs as a result of a change to your mobile phone number that is not reported to us.
If you are dissatisfied with our messaging program or with these Messaging T&Cs, your sole and exclusive remedy is to discontinue enrollment in our messaging program. You participate in messaging at your own risk. Baptist Health’s messaging programs (and these Messaging T&Cs) are governed exclusively by the laws of the State of Florida, without reference to its rules regarding choice of law.