At Acacia Health, your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal and health information are important to us.
We understand that seeking healthcare services for yourself or a loved one is a personal experience. Whether you are exploring hospice care, palliative care, home health services, or simply requesting information, we are committed to handling the information you share with respect, confidentiality, and care.
This Privacy Policy describes how Acacia Health, including Acacia Hospice & Palliative Services and Acacia Hospice of The Desert, collects, uses, protects, and discloses information obtained through our website, https://www.acaciahealth.net, and related online communications.
We are committed to protecting personal information in accordance with applicable federal and California privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), where applicable.
We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
This Privacy Policy applies primarily to our website and online communications. Protected health information (PHI) that we maintain as a healthcare provider is also governed by our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you interact with our website, complete a contact form, request information, or communicate with our team.
Personal Information You Provide
Depending on how you contact us, we may collect:
- First and last name
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Information included in correspondence with our team
- Communication preferences
- Other information you voluntarily provide through an applicable inquiry or communication channel
Our general website contact forms are designed to collect basic contact information, including your name, email address, and telephone number.
We encourage you not to submit unnecessary sensitive medical information, Social Security numbers, insurance identification numbers, or detailed medical records through general website contact forms.
If additional patient or medical information is required, our team can provide instructions for an appropriate method of submission.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, certain technical information may be collected automatically through our website infrastructure, cookies, analytics tools, or related technologies.
This information may include:
- Internet Protocol (IP) address
- Browser type and version
- Device type and operating system
- Pages visited
- Date and time of website visits
- Referring websites or traffic sources
- General website interactions
- Cookie identifiers and similar technical information
The specific information collected depends on the technologies enabled on our website and your browser settings.
2. How We Use Your Information
Acacia Health uses personal information for purposes related to responding to inquiries, providing requested information, supporting healthcare services, and maintaining our website and communications.
We may use information to:
- Respond to inquiries about hospice, palliative care, home health, and related services
- Contact you regarding a request you have submitted
- Provide information about available healthcare services
- Coordinate appropriate follow-up communications
- Assist with requests for care or service information
- Improve our website and user experience
- Maintain accurate communication records
- Support administrative and operational activities
- Protect the security and integrity of our website and systems
- Meet applicable legal and regulatory obligations
When information qualifies as PHI, its use and disclosure are subject to HIPAA and other applicable healthcare privacy laws.
We do not use or disclose PHI for marketing purposes requiring HIPAA authorization unless the required authorization has been obtained.
3. HIPAA And Protected Health Information
Acacia Health recognizes the importance of protecting confidential patient information.
HIPAA establishes federal requirements for protecting certain individually identifiable health information handled by covered healthcare providers and their business associates.
Protected health information may include information relating to an individual’s health condition, healthcare services, or payment for healthcare when maintained or processed in circumstances covered by HIPAA.
Our Commitment To HIPAA Privacy And Security
For information protected by HIPAA, Acacia Health maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Our privacy and security responsibilities include:
- Restricting access to sensitive information to authorized individuals
- Applying appropriate safeguards to electronic health information
- Maintaining policies and procedures for protecting patient information
- Working with authorized technology providers
- Requiring Business Associate Agreements when applicable
- Addressing potential privacy or security incidents in accordance with legal requirements
- Respecting patients’ rights under applicable healthcare privacy laws
PHI may be used or disclosed for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, and other purposes permitted or required by law.
Your Rights Under HIPAA
Depending on the circumstances and applicable legal requirements, you may have the right to:
- Request access to or copies of your health information
- Request corrections to certain health records
- Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
- Request confidential communications through alternative methods or locations
- Request an accounting of certain disclosures
- Receive a copy of our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
- Submit a privacy complaint without retaliation
These rights are subject to applicable legal requirements and exceptions.
For complete information about how patient health information is used, disclosed, and protected, please refer to our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
4. Website Contact Forms And Information Submissions
Acacia Health uses website contact forms to make it easier for patients, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and other visitors to request information about our services.
Our website uses WordPress and Contact Form 7, as well as HighLevel forms for certain online inquiries and communications.
Contact Form 7 And Microsoft 365
Our Contact Form 7 forms collect basic contact information, including your name, email address, and telephone number.
Information submitted through these forms is transmitted to authorized Acacia Health personnel through our Microsoft 365 email environment.
Our Contact Form 7 configuration is not intended to maintain a separate database of submitted contact form entries within WordPress.
Our Microsoft 365 email environment is configured to support the secure handling of healthcare-related communications under applicable HIPAA requirements.
Information received through these communications is handled according to applicable privacy and security policies.
HighLevel CRM
Acacia Health also uses HighLevel, a customer relationship management (CRM) and communications platform, to support inquiries, contact management, communication preferences, and administrative follow-up.
Our HighLevel environment uses its HIPAA compliance features and is supported by an applicable Business Associate Agreement (BAA).
Depending on the services used, HighLevel may process:
- Contact information
- Website form submissions
- Communication records
- Service inquiry information
- Email and text message communications
- Contact preferences and consent records
- Authorized administrative and communication workflows
We use appropriate safeguards and access controls to protect information handled through our CRM in accordance with applicable privacy requirements.
WordPress Website Hosting
Our public website is hosted through WP Engine, a third-party managed WordPress hosting provider.
WP Engine supports the delivery and operation of our public website. Website infrastructure may process certain technical information, such as IP addresses, browser information, and website requests.
General website contact forms are intended for basic contact inquiries rather than the submission of detailed medical records or sensitive patient documentation.
Information submitted through our website is subject to the privacy and security requirements applicable to the information and the systems processing it.
5. How We Protect Your Information
Acacia Health is committed to protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and security of personal information and PHI entrusted to us.
We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information against unauthorized access, use, alteration, or disclosure.
These safeguards are intended to support compliance with applicable federal and California privacy laws, including HIPAA where applicable.
We use authorized technology providers, including Microsoft 365 and HighLevel, to support appropriate information handling and communications.
When a service provider creates, receives, maintains, or transmits PHI on our behalf, we require applicable privacy and security protections, including a Business Associate Agreement where required by law.
Access to sensitive information is limited according to authorized responsibilities and applicable organizational policies.
Although we take precautions to protect information, no website, electronic communication method, or information system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
If a privacy or security incident occurs, we will evaluate and respond to it in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
6. Email, Telephone, And Text Message Communications
Acacia Health may communicate with you by telephone, email, or text message when appropriate and permitted by applicable law.
These communications may include:
- Responses to service inquiries
- Requested follow-up information
- Administrative communications
- Scheduling or care coordination information, when appropriate
- Information about healthcare services you have requested
- Other communications you have authorized
Email Communications
We use Microsoft 365 email services to support business and healthcare-related communications.
Although appropriate safeguards are used when required, ordinary email communications may involve privacy risks, including unauthorized access to messages or information displayed on a recipient’s device.
If you prefer an alternative communication method, please contact our team to discuss available options.
Text Message Communications
If you provide your mobile phone number and consent to receive text messages, Acacia Health may send SMS communications consistent with your consent and applicable law.
Depending on the applicable consent and communication purpose, messages may include responses to inquiries, administrative updates, or other requested information.
Consent to receive marketing text messages is not a condition of receiving healthcare services.
Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply.
For applicable automated text messaging programs, you may reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance.
We respect communication preferences and applicable requirements governing telephone and text message communications.
For additional information, please review our TCPA Consent & Privacy Policy.
Sensitive Information In Communications
We recognize that standard email and text messaging may present security and privacy risks.
We take appropriate steps to limit unnecessary disclosure of sensitive patient information and use communication methods consistent with applicable healthcare privacy requirements.
You may contact our team to request information about available confidential communication options.
7. Cookies, Analytics, And Website Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies, analytics tools, advertising measurement technologies, and similar services to support website functionality, understand visitor activity, and improve our online communications.
These technologies may include services provided by Google, Meta, and other authorized technology providers.
Depending on which technologies are enabled, information collected may include:
- IP addresses
- Browser and device information
- Pages visited
- Website interactions
- Traffic and referral sources
- Cookie identifiers
- General website performance and conversion information
Website Analytics
Analytics tools may help us understand how visitors use our website, identify technical issues, and evaluate website performance.
We use information obtained through these technologies for applicable website administration, measurement, and improvement purposes.
Advertising And Conversion Measurement
Advertising and conversion measurement technologies may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of online communications and advertising activities.
We recognize that healthcare-related website interactions may involve sensitive information.
Our use of tracking technologies is subject to applicable privacy requirements, including HIPAA when PHI is involved.
We do not authorize third-party advertising or analytics providers to receive PHI in violation of applicable healthcare privacy laws.
We do not sell personal information collected through our website.
Managing Cookies
You may be able to manage, restrict, or disable certain cookies through your browser settings or privacy preference controls made available on our website.
Disabling some cookies may affect website functionality.
Where applicable privacy laws provide additional rights relating to tracking, advertising, or the disclosure of personal information, we will address those rights in accordance with applicable requirements.
8. How We Share Information
We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
We may disclose information to authorized service providers when reasonably necessary to operate our website, respond to inquiries, support healthcare-related communications, or conduct permitted business operations.
These providers may include:
- Website hosting and maintenance providers
- Customer relationship management platforms, including HighLevel
- Microsoft 365 and authorized communications providers
- Information technology and security providers
- Website analytics and measurement providers
- Other authorized service providers supporting our operations
Such disclosures are subject to applicable contractual, privacy, and security requirements.
When a service provider handles PHI on our behalf, a Business Associate Agreement and other applicable safeguards are required when mandated by HIPAA.
We may also disclose information:
- With your consent or authorization
- To provide requested services
- For treatment, payment, or healthcare operations when permitted by law
- When required by law, regulation, or legal process
- To appropriate authorities when legally permitted or required
- To address legitimate safety or security concerns as permitted by law
Any use or disclosure of PHI must comply with applicable healthcare privacy requirements.
9. California Privacy Rights
Acacia Health respects the privacy rights of California residents.
We handle personal information in accordance with applicable federal and California privacy laws, including:
- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- The California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA)
- The California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA)
- The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), to the extent applicable
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on the type of information and applicable law, California residents may have the right to:
- Request information about certain personal information collected
- Request access to eligible personal information
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of eligible information, subject to legal exceptions
- Request information regarding certain disclosures
- Exercise applicable rights concerning the sale or sharing of personal information
- Exercise eligible privacy rights without unlawful discrimination or retaliation
Certain medical information governed by HIPAA or California healthcare privacy laws is subject to separate protections and may be exempt from particular CCPA provisions.
Healthcare providers may also be required to maintain specific information to comply with medical recordkeeping and other legal obligations.
To inquire about your rights or submit a privacy-related request, please contact us using the information provided below.
We may need to verify your identity or legal authority before responding to certain requests.
10. Data Retention
Acacia Health retains personal information and PHI in accordance with applicable federal and California laws, healthcare recordkeeping requirements, and organizational policies.
Retention periods may vary depending on:
- The type of information
- The purpose for which the information was collected
- Applicable healthcare record retention requirements
- Legal and regulatory obligations
- Administrative and operational requirements
- Other applicable lawful purposes
When information is no longer required to be retained, we follow applicable requirements for appropriate disposal, deletion, or de-identification.
Certain information may need to be maintained for legally required periods, even after a communication relationship or request has ended.
11. Third-Party Websites And External Links
Our website may contain links to websites or resources operated by third parties.
These websites may have separate privacy policies, terms of use, and security practices.
We encourage you to review the privacy practices of any third-party website before providing personal information.
Acacia Health does not control and is not responsible for the independent privacy practices or content of websites operated by third parties.
12. Children’s Privacy
Our website is intended to provide general information about healthcare services and is not specifically directed toward children under 13 years of age.
We do not knowingly solicit personal information directly from children under 13 through our general website contact forms without appropriate authorization.
Parents, guardians, and legally authorized representatives may contact us regarding healthcare inquiries involving minors.
Information relating to minors receiving healthcare services is handled in accordance with applicable healthcare privacy and consent laws.
If we become aware of personal information collected through our website in violation of applicable children’s privacy requirements, we will take appropriate action.
13. Your Privacy And Communication Choices
You may contact Acacia Health to:
- Update or correct your contact information
- Change applicable communication preferences
- Withdraw consent for optional communications
- Request information about privacy practices
- Ask questions about the information we maintain
- Submit an applicable privacy rights request
- Report a privacy concern
Requests involving PHI will be addressed according to HIPAA and other applicable healthcare privacy laws.
Opting out of optional promotional communications does not affect your eligibility to receive healthcare services.
14. Changes To This Privacy Policy
Acacia Health may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our services, technology, information practices, or applicable legal requirements.
When changes are made, the updated policy will be posted on this page, and the Last Updated date will be revised.
Where legally required, we will provide additional notice of material changes.
We encourage visitors to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about our privacy practices.
15. Contact Us About Privacy
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, the information we collect, or your privacy rights, please contact Acacia Health.
Acacia Hospice & Palliative Services
17780 Fitch, Suite 201
Irvine, CA 92614
Phone: (714) 576-2222
Acacia Hospice of The Desert
75108 Gerald Ford Drive, Suite 3
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Phone: (760) 898-4308
Acacia Home Health & Palliative
17780 Fitch #200
Irvine, CA 92614
Phone: (949) 335-5515
General Phone: (800) 993-9391
Website: https://www.acaciahealth.net
Privacy Officer: Daniel Repchian
HIPAA Privacy Complaints
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may submit a complaint directly to Acacia Health or to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.
You will not be retaliated against for filing a privacy complaint or exercising your rights under HIPAA.
For information about filing a complaint with the federal government, visit https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints/.
16. Additional Privacy And Legal Information
For more information about our website policies and communication practices, please review:
Your Privacy Matters To Us
At Acacia Health, our mission is to provide comfort, assurance, and care to patients and their families. Respecting your privacy is an important part of that commitment.
If you have questions about privacy or how your information is handled when requesting hospice care in Irvine, Palm Desert, Orange County, the Coachella Valley, or nearby communities we serve, contact our team at (714) 576-2222 or (760) 898-4308.
