TEXT MESSAGING TERMS OF USE

Empowering Minds uses SMS messages for person-to-person communication with Empowering Minds providers. SMS messaging is not used for marketing messages and is intended solely for person-to-person communication..

By “Opting In” to or using a “Text Message Service” (as defined below) from EMPOWERING MINDS RESOURCE CENTER, you accept these Terms & Conditions.

This agreement is between you and EMPOWERING MINDS RESOURCE CENTER or one of its affiliates. All references to “EMPOWERING MINDS RESOURCE CENTER,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to EMPOWERING MINDS RESOURCE CENTER, 1800 North Charles Street STE 600, Baltimore, MD, 21201, US.

DEFINITIONS

“Opting In,” “Opt In,” and “Opt-In” refer to requesting, joining, agreeing to, enrolling in, signing up for, acknowledging, responding to, or otherwise consenting to receive one or more text messages.

“Text Message Service” includes any arrangement or situation in which we send one or more messages addressed to your mobile phone number, including text messages (such as SMS, MMS, or successor protocols or technologies).

CONSENTING TO TEXT MESSAGING

By consenting to receive text messages from us, you agreed to these Text Messaging Terms and Conditions.

E-SIGN DISCLOSURE

By agreeing to receive text messages, you also consent to the use of an electronic record to document your agreement. You may withdraw your consent to the use of the electronic record by replying STOP.

TEXT MESSAGE SERVICE PRIVACY POLICY

Applies to: Empowering Minds Resource Center and its providers, operating in Maryland.

Purpose

This policy explains how Empowering Minds Resource Center uses text messaging to communicate with patients and protect their privacy, in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Maryland state privacy laws.

Use of SMS/Text Messaging

  • Send appointment reminders or confirmations
  • Notify you of scheduling changes or office closures
  • Share billing or administrative information
  • Provide brief check-ins or general updates (if agreed upon)

We do not use standard text messaging to communicate detailed clinical information or sensitive health data.

Patient Consent

  • Text messaging is optional and used only with your explicit consent.
  • You must opt in before receiving any SMS messages.
  • You may opt out at any time by replying “STOP” or contacting our office.
  • By opting in, you acknowledge that SMS is not a fully secure form of communication and that there are risks of unauthorized access or disclosure.

 

Mobile opt-in information won’t be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

HIPAA Compliance and Security

Empowering Minds Resource Center follows HIPAA privacy and security standards to protect patient information. However, standard SMS technology is not encrypted, and confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

To maintain privacy:

  • We limit SMS content to non-clinical and administrative information only.
  • Sensitive or identifiable health information is shared only via secure, encrypted platforms or direct provider communication.
  • All staff who send or receive text messages on behalf of the practice use secure, password-protected devices with screen locks and remote-wipe capabilities.

Emergency Communication

Text messaging should not be used for urgent or emergency situations.

If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 or 998 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or go to your nearest emergency department.

Policy Updates

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in technology, HIPAA regulations, or Maryland law. The most current version will always be available on our website or upon request.

CONTACT US

For support, please visit https://empoweringminds.on.spiceworks.com/portal

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