Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

At EmpowerMama, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share your personal information when you use our website and services.

In short: We only collect information necessary to provide you with excellent doula care, we protect it carefully, and we never sell your data.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

When you contact us, book services, or use our website, you may provide:

Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
Health Information: Due date, birth preferences, medical history relevant to doula services, insurance information (including Medicaid details)
Demographic Information: Age, household composition (as relevant to services)
Communication Records: Messages, emails, and notes from consultations
Payment Information: Billing details, insurance information

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system
Usage Information: Pages visited, time spent on site, links clicked
Cookies: Small data files stored on your device (see "Cookies" section below)

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

✓ Provide Services: Schedule appointments, match you with doulas, coordinate care
✓ Communicate: Respond to inquiries, send appointment reminders, provide updates
✓ Process Payments: Handle billing and insurance claims (including Medicaid)
✓ Improve Services: Analyze how our services are used and make improvements
✓ Comply with Law: Meet legal and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA
✓ Protect Rights: Prevent fraud, ensure safety, enforce our terms

HIPAA Compliance

EmpowerMama is committed to protecting your health information in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Protected Health Information (PHI) includes any health information that can identify you, such as:

Medical history and conditions
Treatment information
Insurance and billing information
Any other health-related data

Your HIPAA Rights:

Right to Access: You can request copies of your health records
Right to Amend: You can request corrections to your health information
Right to Accounting: You can request a list of disclosures of your PHI
Right to Restrict: You can request limits on how we use or share your information
Right to Confidential Communications: You can request we contact you in specific ways

For more information about your HIPAA rights or to submit a request, contact our Privacy Officer at privacy@empowermama.com.

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

We may share your information with:

Service Providers

Doulas providing your care
Scheduling and communication platforms
Payment processors
IT and security providers

Insurance & Healthcare Entities

Medicaid and other insurance providers for claims processing
Healthcare providers involved in your care (with your consent)

Legal Requirements

When required by law or court order
To protect rights, property, or safety
In connection with legal proceedings

With Your Consent

Any other sharing you specifically authorize

All third parties we work with are required to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

Encryption: Secure data transmission and storage
Access Controls: Limited access to authorized personnel only
Regular Audits: Security assessments and updates
Staff Training: Privacy and security training for all team members
HIPAA Safeguards: Compliance with all HIPAA security requirements

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us provide and improve our services.

Types of Cookies We Use:

Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality (e.g., remembering your session)

Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site (e.g., Google Analytics)

Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand site usage. Learn more or opt out.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

All Users:

Access: Request what personal information we have about you
Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate information
Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications

Pennsylvania Residents:

Pennsylvania privacy laws may provide additional rights regarding your personal information.

To Exercise Your Rights:

Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as:

You are an active client or in communication with us
Required for legal, billing, or insurance purposes
Required by HIPAA (typically 6 years after last service)

After the retention period, we securely delete or anonymize your information.

Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If we learn we have collected such information, we will promptly delete it.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. Please review their privacy policies.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will:

Post the updated policy on this page
Update the "Last Updated" date
Notify you of significant changes via email or website notice

Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

File a Complaint:

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

EmpowerMama:
privacy@empowermama.com

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints

You will not be penalized or retaliated against for filing a complaint.

Notice of Privacy Practices (HIPAA)

For a complete Notice of Privacy Practices as required by HIPAA, including detailed information about how we use and disclose your health information, please:

Request a copy at your first appointment
Download from our website at [link]
Request by email at privacy@empowermama.com

Your Consent

By using our website or services, you consent to this Privacy Policy.

If you have questions or do not agree with this policy, please contact us before providing any personal information.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This privacy policy is provided as a template and should be reviewed by a qualified attorney familiar with healthcare privacy law, HIPAA regulations, and Pennsylvania state laws before implementation. EmpowerMama should consult with legal counsel to ensure full compliance with all applicable privacy regulations.