Client Rights, Records & Complaints
Luminary Counseling, PLLC provides this notice in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code §181.105 and Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council Rule 22 TAC §884.31.
HOW TO REQUEST YOUR HEALTH CARE RECORDS
Current and former clients may request access to or copies of their records.
1. Submit a written, signed request by email to [email protected], through the client portal at or by mail or in person to Luminary Counseling, PLLC, Attn: Records, 6633 East Highway 290 Ste 110, Austin, TX 78723
2. Include your full name, date of birth, phone number, the dates of service or records you are requesting, and whether you would like electronic or paper copies. If you want records sent to someone else, include that person’s name and contact information and your signed authorization.
3. Verify your identity. We will confirm your identity before releasing any records.
4. Receive your records. We will respond within 15 business days of receiving a complete request. A reasonable, cost-based fee may apply; we will tell you the amount before processing. If any part of a request is denied as permitted by law, we will explain why in writing.
Questions about records may be directed to the Practice Owner and Custodian of Records:
Jennifer Buffalo, LPC-S, LMFT-S
512-677-5366
NOTICE CONCERNING COMPLAINTS
Complaints about Psychologists, Licensed Psychological Associates, Licensed Specialists in School Psychology, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers may be reported for investigation to:
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
Attention: Enforcement
1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 7.300
Austin, TX 78701
Telephone: 1-800-821-3205
File a complaint online: https://bhec.texas.gov/tbhec/discipline-and-complaints/how-to-file-a-complaint/file-a-complaint/
Website: https://bhec.texas.gov
NOTICE TO CLIENTS
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council investigates and prosecutes professional misconduct committed by marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, psychological associates, social workers, and licensed specialists in school psychology.
Although not every complaint against or dispute with a licensee involves professional misconduct, the Executive Council will provide you with information about how to file a complaint.
Please call 1-800-821-3205 for more information.
HOW TO FILE A CONSUMER COMPLAINT
Texas Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division
To file a consumer complaint, including a complaint about the privacy and security of your health information or access to your records:
1. Visit the Attorney General’s patient privacy page: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/health-care/patient-privacy, or the general complaint page: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint.
2. Choose the complaint form that fits your concern and provide your contact information, our practice name and address, a description of the issue, relevant dates, and any supporting documents.
3. Submit online, or mail to: Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, P.O. Box 12548, Austin, TX 78711-2548.
Complaints filed with the Attorney General are open to the public under Texas law.
HIPAA Privacy Complaints (Federal)
If you have a complaint concerning the HIPAA Privacy, Security, or Breach Notification Rules, you may contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights:
· Online: https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/smartscreen/main.jsf
· Email: [email protected] (questions: [email protected])
· Phone: 1-800-368-1019 (TDD: 1-800-537-7697)
· Mail: Centralized Case Management Operations, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 509F HHH Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20201
You may also contact our practice directly with any concern: Jennifer Buffalo, LPC-S, LMFT-S, [email protected], 512-677-5366