Healing Sands collects only the information needed to provide safe, effective care across our Palm Springs detox, residential, and outpatient programs.
We do not sell client information, and we disclose it only with permission or when the law requires it. Substance use disorder records receive additional protection under 42 CFR Part 2.
Healing Sands provides equal access to care without discrimination based on race, religion, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
This commitment applies from admission through treatment and discharge planning at our Palm Springs facility, including access to medication-assisted treatment.
Seeking help for substance use or a co-occurring mental health condition is private. Clients have the right to expect confidentiality from the first admissions conversation through discharge and beyond.Staff who handle client information are trained on what may be accessed or shared, with whom, and under what circumstances.
Federal law gives substance use disorder treatment records protections beyond those that generally apply to other medical information.
These rules recognize that disclosure of addiction treatment information can affect areas such as employment, housing, and custody.
Under 42 CFR Part 2, participation in detox or residential treatment generally cannot simply be confirmed to an outside party without appropriate authorization.
During intake, Healing Sands gathers information such as health history, substance use patterns, and co-occurring symptoms that may include anxiety, depression, or trauma responses.
This information helps determine the appropriate starting level of care.
Financial, insurance, emergency-contact, and clinical information are handled according to their purpose rather than giving every staff member access to everything.
Case managers, therapists, and medical staff use relevant records to develop individualized treatment plans, monitor progress, support relapse-prevention work, and prepare for discharge.
Clinical leadership may also review records to confirm that treatment continues to match the client's needs.
These internal clinical reviews are part of care and quality oversight, not disclosure to an outside party.
Client information is generally not disclosed outside the program without appropriate permission except where applicable law permits or requires disclosure.
Limited circumstances may include medical emergencies, qualifying court orders, suspected child abuse, or an imminent threat to someone's safety.
Being closely involved in someone's life does not automatically provide access to their treatment records. Requests and disclosures are handled according to the client's authorization and applicable privacy law.
A client can request their own treatment records. Someone else generally needs appropriate written authorization from the client before requesting records on their behalf.
Legal representatives, including someone holding valid power of attorney, may request information when appropriate documentation is on file.
Requests from attorneys, employers, and courts are handled according to the legal authority supporting the request.
Applicants are evaluated based on their treatment needs and whether Healing Sands can safely provide the appropriate level of care.
Withdrawal risk and co-occurring mental health concerns are considered as part of this assessment.
California’s Confidentiality of Medical Information Act establishes additional requirements for handling medical information, including behavioral health records.
Where applicable California law provides a stricter confidentiality requirement than federal law for particular information, Healing Sands follows the stricter requirement.
Records created during detox, residential treatment, or outpatient care remain protected after a client leaves the program for as long as those records are retained.
Former clients retain applicable rights to request their records or authorize release to another provider.
Insurance verification and claims processing may require limited information to be provided to an insurer.
Referral sources, such as hospitals or outside therapists, do not automatically receive updates about a client’s admission or treatment. Such communication requires appropriate authorization where required.
Confidentiality involves more than deciding who can receive information. Healing Sands also uses administrative, digital, and physical safeguards to control how client information is accessed and handled.
Operating treatment services can involve outside vendors such as billing companies, electronic health record platforms, laboratory services, and pharmacy partners.
Vendors that may encounter protected client information while supporting operations are required to follow applicable confidentiality obligations, including business associate requirements where applicable.
Information accessed for one operational purpose cannot simply be used for unrelated purposes.
Client information is maintained using restricted access so staff can access information appropriate to their responsibilities.
Physical safeguards also apply to paper records and locations where client information is maintained.
Staff receive confidentiality training, devices used to access client information require authentication, and system access can be logged and reviewed.
Clients and families should also avoid sending sensitive treatment information through unsecured personal email, text messages, or shared devices when more secure communication options are available.
Healing Sands does not sell client information or use someone's treatment history as marketing material without appropriate written permission.Clients also have options for raising concerns when they believe their privacy has not been respected.
We do not confirm to employers, family members, or the public whether someone is or was a client unless appropriate authorization permits us to do so.
We do not sell client information to marketing companies, data brokers, or other third parties.
A client’s name, photograph, story, or treatment experience is not used for advertising, testimonials, or social media without a separate written release. Declining such a release does not affect admission or the quality of care.
A client who believes their information was disclosed or handled improperly can raise a concern with the Healing Sands Privacy Officer.
The supplied policy also identifies the California Department of Health Care Services, Licensing and Certification Division as an outside complaint option for concerns involving licensed California alcohol and drug treatment programs.
If you have questions before treatment begins, the Healing Sands team can also explain how information is protected and how confidentiality applies to your situation.
If you have questions about how this policy applies to you or someone you care about, contact Healing Sands before treatment begins.
Our Palm Springs team can explain how these protections apply to admission, treatment, accessibility, medication-assisted treatment, and other aspects of care.
No. Healing Sands does not confirm or deny a client's participation in treatment to an employer, family member, or other outside party without appropriate written authorization, except where disclosure is otherwise permitted or required by law.
No. Family members do not automatically receive access to information about a client's attendance, treatment, or clinical status simply because they are related to the client.Appropriate client authorization is required where applicable.
Insurance providers receive information needed for purposes such as verifying coverage and processing claims.
The supplied policy states that clinical notes and session content are not part of standard billing communication.
Treatment records remain subject to applicable confidentiality protections after discharge for as long as they are retained.
Former clients continue to have applicable rights to access their records or authorize their release.
Yes. Clients can request access to their treatment records.
A legal representative with appropriate documentation, such as valid power of attorney, may also be able to request records on the client's behalf.
Sensitive treatment information is better kept off unsecured communication channels.
Personal email, text messaging, and shared devices can carry security limitations, and the admissions team can explain more secure communication options during intake.
A concern can be raised with the Healing Sands Privacy Officer.
The supplied content also identifies the California Department of Health Care Services, Licensing and Certification Division as an outside option for privacy concerns involving licensed treatment programs.
If you're in immediate danger, call 911. For mental-health crisis support, call or text 988.
Every conversation is confidential — protected by HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
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