Last Update: April 24, 2025
At Rivers of Hope, we value your trust and are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy describes in detail how we collect, use, disclose, store, and safeguard your personal and health-related information when you visit our website, communicate with us, or use our services. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which governs the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI).
This Privacy Policy applies solely to information gathered through our website www.riversofhopes.com and through digital communications. For a full explanation of how we handle your health records as a client, please refer to our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, available upon request or at your intake meeting.
Contents
- HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
- Automated Tracking Technologies
- What Personal Information We Collect
- How We Use Personal Information
- Protecting Your Personal Information
- HIPAA and Protected Health Information (PHI)
- Third-Party Websites and Links
- Security
- Opt-Out Options
- Browser Settings and “Do Not Track”
- International Users
- State Privacy Law Compliance
- Children’s Privacy (COPPA)
- Email Communication and CAN-SPAM Act Compliance
- Changes to This Policy
- Annual Review
- Contact Information
1. General Tracking Information
When you visit our website, our web servers automatically collect general information that your browser transmits. This includes the IP address of your device, the type and version of your browser, the operating system used, the website from which you accessed ours, the pages viewed, and the date and time of your visit. This type of data is collected for analytical purposes and helps us understand how users interact with our website.
We do not use this data to personally identify individuals. Instead, we analyze aggregate trends to improve our content delivery, optimize user experience, troubleshoot issues, and enhance our digital security.
2. Automated Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies, web beacons, and other tracking technologies to provide a more tailored browsing experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help us remember your preferences, provide secure login, and allow us to recognize returning users.
We may also use session cookies, which expire once you close your browser, and persistent cookies, which remain on your device until deleted. Some cookies are essential to site functionality, while others support performance monitoring and targeted outreach efforts.
You may disable cookies through your browser settings. However, doing so may limit your ability to use certain parts of the website. We do not currently respond to browser “Do Not Track” signals due to the lack of standardized compliance mechanisms.
3. What Personal Information We Collect
When you interact with us online or offline, we may collect information that can directly or indirectly identify you. This includes, but is not limited to, your full name, email address, telephone number, mailing address, and any details you choose to include in our online forms or during communication with our staff.
If you submit a referral form, intake request, or employment application, you may also provide sensitive health or demographic data, including information about diagnoses, treatment history, care preferences, physical or cognitive conditions, insurance information, or emergency contacts. This information is considered Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA and is handled with the highest degree of confidentiality.
We only collect information that is necessary for care coordination, customer service, marketing (with your consent), and legal or regulatory compliance.
4. How We Use Personal Information
We use the information you provide for several purposes, all of which are legally compliant and intended to serve your needs. This includes assessing eligibility for in-home care services, developing care plans, assigning appropriate caregivers, communicating with healthcare professionals, processing payments or insurance claims, and delivering high-quality support to you or your loved one.
Additionally, we may use your information to respond to inquiries, provide requested information, and send occasional newsletters, updates, or educational content related to caregiving, health tips, or home health topics. You can opt out of these communications at any time.
We also use de-identified and aggregated data to improve our service delivery, enhance training, and evaluate operational performance. Under no circumstances do we sell or rent your information to third parties.
5. Protecting Your Personal Information
The security of your information is paramount. Rivers of Hope employs administrative, physical, and technical safeguards designed to protect your data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These safeguards include password-protected databases, encryption of sensitive files, secure communication channels, and role-based access control.
Our staff are trained regularly on privacy protocols and HIPAA compliance. All employees and contractors are bound by confidentiality agreements, and any third-party service providers are required to sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) when applicable.
Despite these precautions, no system can be 100% secure. If you believe your information has been compromised, please notify us immediately so we can take prompt action.
6. HIPAA and Protected Health Information (PHI)
Rivers of Hope complies fully with HIPAA regulations when handling your health data. Any health-related information you provide—either through forms, assessments, or communications—is classified as PHI. We use and disclose PHI only for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations unless otherwise permitted or required by law.
For example, we may share your PHI with:
- Healthcare professionals involved in your care
- Insurance providers or billing departments
- State or federal agencies as required by law
You have specific rights under HIPAA, including the right to access, correct, restrict, and request an accounting of disclosures of your PHI. To exercise these rights, contact our Privacy Officer at the information provided below.
7. Third-Party Websites and Links
Our website may contain links to third-party sites, such as social media platforms, caregiver resources, or community partners. These external sites are not governed by this Privacy Policy, and we are not responsible for their content, data practices, or security. We encourage you to review their individual privacy statements before sharing any information.
8. Security
Our site is protected by Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption, which ensures that any data transmitted between your browser and our server remains confidential. We routinely monitor our systems for vulnerabilities and attacks and maintain up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware protections.
Our internal systems use access controls and audit trails to track who accesses sensitive data and for what purpose, ensuring accountability across our team.
9. Opt-Out Options
You may choose to limit how we use or share your personal information. You can:
- Unsubscribe from email newsletters using the link provided in each message
- Request the deletion or anonymization of your records (unless required to be retained for legal reasons)
- Decline or revoke consent for marketing communications or certain types of data sharing
To exercise these options, email admin@riversofhopes.com or call us directly.
10. Browser Settings and “Do Not Track”
You may configure your browser to reject cookies or alert you when cookies are being used. Our site may still be usable with cookies disabled, although certain features or functionality may be impaired. We do not currently respond to browser-based “Do Not Track” signals due to the lack of a consistent industry standard.
11. International Users
Rivers of Hope is based in the United States. By using our services or submitting information to us, users located outside the U.S. consent to the transfer and processing of their data within the United States, where privacy protections may differ from those in your home jurisdiction.
12. State Privacy Law Compliance
Certain states, including California, Virginia, and Massachusetts,, may grant additional rights regarding personal information. If you are a resident of such a state, you may be entitled to:
- Know what personal data we collect and how it’s used
- Request a copy of your data
- Request deletion of your data (with some exceptions)
We honor these rights in accordance with applicable state laws. Requests can be submitted using the contact details below.
13. Children’s Privacy (COPPA)
Our website is not directed at children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If we become aware that such data has been submitted without verifiable parental consent, we will delete it promptly.
14. Email Communication and CAN-SPAM Act Compliance
We comply with the CAN-SPAM Act by ensuring all email communications include:
- Clear identification of the sender
- A working opt-out or unsubscribe mechanism
- No misleading subject lines or headers
You may opt out of receiving future emails by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any message or by contacting us directly.
15. Changes to This Policy
We may revise this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in our services, practices, or applicable laws. Updated versions will be posted on our website with a revised effective date. We encourage you to review this policy regularly to stay informed.
Your continued use of our website or services after changes take effect constitutes your agreement to the updated terms.
16. Annual Review
This policy undergoes an annual review to ensure continued compliance with HIPAA, industry standards, and evolving privacy legislation. Interim updates may occur more frequently as needed.
17. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please reach out to:
Rivers of Hope
4 Main St, Suite 22
Brockton, MA 02301
📞 Phone: 508.857.0629
📧 Email: admin@riversofhopes.com
🌐 www.riversofhopes.com
