— Washington State Law —
My Health My Data Act.
A consumer notice describing your rights under the Washington My Health My Data Act (RCW 19.373).
About the Act
The Washington My Health My Data Act (the "Act"), effective March 31, 2024, establishes specific protections for consumer health data. This notice describes how Real Life Counseling, PLLC ("RLC") collects, uses, and shares consumer health data, and your rights under the Act.
What is consumer health data?
Under the Act, "consumer health data" means personal information that is linked or reasonably linkable to a consumer and that identifies the consumer's past, present, or future physical or mental health status. This may include data about mental health conditions, treatment, biometric data, and related information.
Categories of data we collect
- Identifying information (name, contact information, date of birth)
- Insurance and billing information
- Mental health and treatment information shared during care
- Appointment and scheduling information
- Information collected through our website (IP address, browser, pages visited)
Sources of consumer health data
We collect consumer health data directly from you (when you fill out forms, communicate with us, or attend sessions), from your insurance provider (for benefits verification), and through our practice management and electronic health records systems.
How we use consumer health data
We use consumer health data to provide clinical services, schedule appointments, verify insurance benefits, communicate with you about your care, comply with legal obligations, and improve our services.
How we share consumer health data
We share consumer health data only as necessary to provide care or as legally required, including with your insurance provider, our service providers under business associate agreements, and with your written authorization.
We do not sell consumer health data.
Your rights under the Act
As a Washington resident, you have the following rights:
- Right to know: Request the categories of consumer health data we collect, the sources, and how we use and share it.
- Right to delete: Request deletion of your consumer health data, subject to legal exceptions (e.g., legally required record retention).
- Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent for our collection or sharing of your consumer health data.
- Right to non-discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights.
How to exercise your rights
To exercise any of these rights, contact our Privacy Officer:
Real Life Counseling, PLLC
Privacy Officer
1498 SE Tech Center Pl, Suite 300
Vancouver, WA 98683
(360) 619-2226
rlc-frontdesk@reallifecounseling.us
We will respond to verifiable requests within 45 days, with a possible 45-day extension when reasonably necessary. We may verify your identity before processing your request.
Appeals
If we deny a request, you may appeal by contacting our Privacy Officer at the address above. You also have the right to file a complaint with the Washington State Attorney General at www.atg.wa.gov.
Updates to this notice
We may update this notice from time to time to reflect changes in law or our practices.