PRIVACY, ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS, AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE NOTICE

ALAMO KIDNEY
Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Alamo Kidney is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of your medical information. This page explains how we use electronic health records and clinical decision support technologies, including artificial intelligence, in providing healthcare services. This notice is provided in accordance with:

  • The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • Texas Medical Records Act
  • Texas Senate Bill 1188 (EHR and clinical technology requirements)
  • Texas House Bill 149 (Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act)

This notice supplements our Notice of Privacy Practices.

1. ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS (EHR)

Alamo Kidney maintains patient medical information in a secure electronic health record system to support treatment, care coordination, billing, and healthcare operations. Consistent with Texas law, including Senate Bill 1188:

  • Patient electronic health records maintained by this practice are physically stored within the United States.
  • Access to medical information is restricted to authorized workforce members who require access for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
  • Administrative, technical, and physical safeguards protect electronic protected health information.
  • Parents or legal guardians may access a minor’s medical record unless access is restricted by applicable law or court order.

2. USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN CLINICAL CARE

Alamo Kidney may use clinical decision support technologies, including artificial intelligence tools, to assist healthcare professionals in evaluating medical information and supporting diagnosis or treatment planning. Consistent with Texas Senate Bill 1188 and Texas House Bill 149:

  • Artificial intelligence supports clinical decision-making but does not replace professional medical judgment.
  • All AI-generated information, recommendations, or documentation are reviewed by a licensed healthcare professional.
  • Final clinical decisions are made by your treating provider.
  • AI technologies are used only within the scope of professional licensure and applicable law.
  • Patients may request information regarding the role of technology in their care.

3. HOW WE USE AND DISCLOSE HEALTH INFORMATION

Your health information may be used or disclosed for:

  • Treatment and coordination of nephrology care, dialysis planning, laboratory review, and transplant coordination
  • Payment activities including billing and insurance processing
  • Healthcare operations including quality improvement, credentialing, and compliance activities
  • Public health reporting or legal requirements where permitted or required by law

Additional details are provided in our Notice of Privacy Practices.

4. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS

You have rights regarding your medical information under federal and Texas law. These include the right to:

  • Access and obtain a copy of your medical record
  • Request corrections to your record
  • Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures
  • Receive an accounting of disclosures
  • File a complaint without retaliation

Requests may be submitted to our Privacy Officer using the contact information below.

5. THIRD-PARTY APPLICATIONS AND PATIENT-DIRECTED DISCLOSURES

If you request that your health information be transmitted to a personal health application or third-party service not affiliated with Alamo Kidney, the privacy and security practices of that service will govern the information after transmission. Alamo Kidney is not responsible for the security practices of third-party applications selected by the patient.

6. WEBSITE COMMUNICATIONS

Information submitted through website contact forms or electronic communications may be used to respond to inquiries, coordinate care, or provide requested services. Website communications should not be used for urgent medical concerns.

7. QUESTIONS OR PRIVACY COMPLAINTS

If you have questions about privacy practices or wish to file a complaint, contact our Privacy Officer. You may also file a complaint with federal or Texas regulators. We will not retaliate for filing a complaint.

8. CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE

Alamo Kidney reserves the right to update this notice to reflect legal or operational changes. Updated versions will be posted on this website with a revised effective date

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