SMS/Text Messaging Privacy Notice

Renown Health may offer patients the ability to receive SMS (Short Message Service) or MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) text messages related to healthcare services. These messages may include appointment reminders, care coordination communications, preventive health reminders, and other information they have opted to receive.

Types of messages patients may receive:

When a patient consents to receive text messages from Renown Health, they may receive SMS/MMS messages to their mobile phone related to:

1. Appointment reminders and confirmations
2. Changes to referrals, procedures, and orders
3. Care coordination and follow-up communications
4. Preventive health reminders and wellness information
5. Timely healthcare updates and educational guidance
6. Billing or payment notifications
7. Satisfaction surveys related to care experience
8. Other communications they have specifically opted to receive

This notice applies to SMS/MMS text messages sent to an individual’s mobile device. Secure messages sent through MyChart are not covered by this notice and are governed by Renown Health's Notice of Privacy Practices.

How consent is collected

An individual may provide consent to receive text messages from Renown Health through patient intake forms, MyChart enrollment, online scheduling, or other registration processes. By providing their mobile phone number and opting in, they agree to receive the messaging services described in this notice.

For one-time Renown Health Help Desk verification messages, consent may also be provided verbally during the Help Desk call before the text message is sent.

Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of receiving care or services from Renown Health.

Types of use

When individuals provide their mobile phone number and consent to receive text messages from Renown Health:

1. Their mobile phone number and SMS opt-in consent will be used only for the purpose of delivering the messaging services they requested.
2. Renown will not use the mobile phone number or messaging consent for purposes unrelated to the healthcare services and communications they have opted to receive.
3. Messaging frequency may vary depending on the types of communications a patient has consented to receive and their care needs.

We do not sell, rent, or share an individual’s information for marketing. Renown Health does not sell, rent, or share mobile phone numbers or SMS opt-in data with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties.

Mobile phone numbers and messaging consent information may only be shared with:

1. Vendors or service providers that support the delivery of text messaging services on behalf of Renown Health, and only to the extent necessary to provide those services.
2. Entities as required by law, including in response to valid legal process such as a court order or subpoena.

All vendors and service providers who receive messaging information are contractually required to protect an individual’s data and use it only for the purposes of delivering services on behalf of Renown Health.

The patient has the following rights as they are related to SMS or MMS text messages:

1. The right to opt out at any time - An individual may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any message received from Renown Health. Once opted out, they will receive a confirmation message and will no longer receive text messages from that program.
2. An individual may also update their messaging preferences through MyChart or during their next registration visit.
3. The right to receive help with text messages - For assistance with text messaging services, an individual may reply HELP to any message received or by contacting Renown Health directly at 877-540-7888.
4. The right to opt back in - If a person has previously opted out of communications and wishes to resume receiving text messages, they may opt back in through MyChart, during registration, or by contacting Renown Health at 877-540-7888.
5. The right to update communication preferences - A person may update their text messaging preferences at any time through MyChart or during registration. Renown may reach out via phone, text, or email, but communication preferences can be changed at any time.
6. The right to contact us - If an individual has questions about this SMS Privacy Notice or their text messaging preferences, they may contact us:
   1. By phone: 877-540-7888
   2. By text: Reply HELP to any Renown Health text message
   3. By mail: Renown Health Compliance/Privacy Officer 1155 Mill St, Mail Stop N-14 Reno, NV 89502
7. The right to file a complaint – If a patient believes their privacy rights have been violated in connection with our text messaging services, they may file a complaint by contacting 1-800 611-5097 or by writing to the Renown Health Compliance/Privacy Officer at the address listed above. A complaint may also be filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by sending a letter to 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201, calling 1-877-696-6775, or by visiting hhs.gov. We will not retaliate against anyone for filing a complaint.

Message and data rates

Message and data rates may apply based on the patient’s mobile carrier plan. Renown Health is not responsible for any charges incurred from a person’s mobile carrier as a result of receiving text messages. Please advise patients to contact their mobile carrier with questions about their messaging plan or associated costs.

Privacy and security

Renown Health is committed to protecting the privacy and security of patient information. Text messages sent by Renown Health may contain limited health information related to an individual’s care. While we take steps to protect the content of these messages, SMS and MMS are not encrypted communication channels. By opting in, an individual acknowledges that text messages may not be fully secure and that there is some risk that messages could be read by unauthorized parties if the mobile device is lost, stolen, or accessed by others.

Health information shared through other channels, including MyChart, remains protected under Renown Health's Notice of Privacy Practices, which describes how protected health information may be used and disclosed in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Supported carriers

Renown Health's text messaging services are available on most major U.S. mobile carriers. Mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Service availability may vary depending on an individual’s cell phone carrier and plan.

Renown Health responsibilities

1. Renown is required by law to maintain the privacy and security of protected health information, including information related to text messaging services.
2. Renown will advise all applicable parties promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of information.
3. Opt-out requests will be handled promptly and further text messages will not be sent once an individual has opted out of a messaging program.
4. Renown will not use a mobile phone number or messaging consent data for purposes beyond what is described in this notice unless an individual provides written authorization.
5. Renown will not condition treatment, payment, enrollment, or eligibility for benefits on consent to receive text messages.

Changes to the terms of this notice

We may update the terms of this notice at any time. Changes will apply to all information we have about a patient. The updated notice will be available upon request, at our facilities, and on our website at renown.org.