Notices & Disclosures
Notice to Consumers – Texas Mental Health Services
In accordance with Texas law (House Bill 4224 and Section 181.105 of the Texas Health and Safety Code), the following information is provided to help consumers understand their rights and available resources. Requesting Your Health Care Records You have the right to request a copy of your mental health records. To request your records, please submit a written request to your treating clinician or to the practice directly. Requests may be made via email, secure client portal, or in writing. Records will be provided in accordance with Texas law and applicable privacy regulations. If you have questions about accessing your records, please contact our office for assistance. Contacting the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council regulates licensed mental health professionals in Texas. If you have questions about licensure or professional standards, you may contact BHEC directly: Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council – Contact Us https://bhec.texas.gov/contact-us/ Filing a Consumer Complaint If you wish to file a consumer complaint regarding mental health services, you may do so with the Texas Office of the Attorney General: Office of the Attorney General – Consumer Protection https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection
Good Faith Estimate
Under the No Surprises Act (H.R. 133 – effective January 1, 2022), health care providers need to give clients or patients who do not have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. •This Good Faith Estimate (GFE) shows the costs of items and services you can reasonably expect for your health care needs. •You have the right to receive a GFE for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. •The GFE does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You may experience additional charges if complications or exceptional circumstances occur. If you receive a bill at least $400 more than your GFE, you may dispute or appeal the bill. •You may contact the health care provider or facility listed to let them know the billed charges are higher than the GFE. You may ask them to update the bill to match the GFE, negotiate the bill, or ask if financial assistance is available. •You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about four months) of the date on the original bill. •There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this GFE. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount •Make sure your health care provider gives you a GFE within the following timeframes: oIf the service is scheduled at least three business days before the appointment date, no later than one business day after the date of scheduling; oIf the service is scheduled at least ten business days before the appointment date, no later than three business days after the date of schedule; or oIf the uninsured or self-pay client requests a GFE (without scheduling the service), no later than three business days after the date of the request. Healthcare providers must supply a new GFE within the specified timeframes if the patient reschedules the requested item or service. Note: A Good Faith Estimate is for your awareness only and does not require immediate financial commitment or payment. To learn more, go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059. Keep a copy of this Good Faith Estimate in a safe place or take pictures of it. You may need it if you receive a bill in a higher amount. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out.