Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions

TERMS OF SERVICE, PRIVACY POLICY & COMMUNICATION CONSENT

AdvanceCare Pharmacy
Effective Date: [1/01/2024]
Last Updated: [4/10/2026]

1. OVERVIEW

AdvanceCare Pharmacy (“we,” “our,” or “the Pharmacy”) is a licensed California pharmacy operating in compliance with applicable laws including:

• California Business & Professions Code

• California Code of Regulations (Title 16)

• Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

We are committed to protecting patient privacy, ensuring safe dispensing practices, and maintaining compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.

2. PATIENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Patient Rights

Patients have the right to:

• Receive pharmacy services in compliance with California law

• Be offered consultation with a pharmacist (oral or written)

• Privacy and confidentiality of their Protected Health Information (PHI)

• Request access to and correction of their records

• Request an accounting of disclosures of PHI 

2.2 Patient Responsibilities

Patients agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete health information

• Notify the pharmacy of allergies, conditions, and medications

• Use medications as prescribed

• Notify the pharmacy of changes in contact preferences

3. PHARMACY SERVICES & COMPLIANCE

We comply with California pharmacy laws, including:

• Maintaining patient medication profiles and reviewing therapy before dispensing 

• Ensuring pharmacist consultation is available

• Protecting confidentiality during consultation and record handling 

• Maintaining secure systems for prescription processing and patient data

All prescriptions are handled in accordance with California e-prescribing laws requiring electronic transmission in most cases .

4. PRIVACY POLICY (HIPAA NOTICE SUMMARY)

4.1 Use of Protected Health Information (PHI)

We may use and disclose PHI for:

• Treatment (dispensing medications, counseling)

• Payment (insurance billing)

• Healthcare operations

These uses are permitted under HIPAA without additional authorization.

4.2 Additional Uses

We may contact you regarding:

• Prescription readiness

• Refill reminders

• Medication adherence

These are considered healthcare operations or treatment communications under HIPAA .

4.3 Patient Authorization

We will obtain written authorization for:

• Marketing communications unrelated to treatment

• Disclosure beyond permitted uses

5. TEXT MESSAGE (SMS) COMMUNICATION POLICY

5.1 Opt-In Consent Requirement

We do not sell or share mobile or personal data with third parties, affiliates, or partners for marketing or promotional purposes. We only share data with third parties when it is strictly necessary to deliver our service and only under binding agreements that ensure confidentiality. Under no circumstances will mobile data be shared or sold for advertising or promotional use.

By providing your mobile number and opting in, you consent to receive SMS/text messages from AdvanceCare Pharmacy, including:

• Prescription ready notifications

• Refill reminders

• Pickup or delivery alerts

California law emphasizes informed consent for patient-related services, and this consent will be documented and retained where required .

5.2 Message Content Limitations

To protect your privacy:

• Messages will avoid detailed medical information whenever possible

• Messages may include minimal identifiers (e.g., first name, pharmacy name)

• Sensitive health details will not be included unless secure systems are used

Under HIPAA, messages that do not include protected health information or are authorized by the patient are permissible .

5.3 Risks of SMS Communication

By opting in, you acknowledge:

• Standard SMS may not be fully secure

• Messages could be accessed by others with access to your phone

• You accept these risks when choosing SMS communication

5.4 Opt-Out Rights

You may opt out at any time by:

• Replying “STOP” to any message

• Contacting the pharmacy directly

Opting out will not affect your ability to receive pharmacy services.

5.5 Message Frequency & Fees

• Message frequency varies based on prescriptions and services

• Standard carrier messaging rates may apply

6. DATA SECURITY

We implement safeguards to protect patient data, including:

• Secure pharmacy management systems

• Access controls and workforce training

• Policies to prevent unauthorized disclosure of PHI

California regulations require pharmacies to maintain policies ensuring confidentiality and integrity of patient information .

7. RECORD RETENTION & ACCESS

We maintain records as required by California law and:

• Retain prescription and patient records securely

• Provide access upon valid patient request

• Maintain audit trails where required

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• The pharmacy is not liable for delays caused by third-party carriers (e.g., SMS delivery issues)

• Not responsible for unauthorized access due to patient negligence (e.g., sharing phones)

9. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this policy at any time. Updates will be:

• Posted in the pharmacy

• Made available upon request

Continued use of services constitutes acceptance of changes.

10. CONTACT INFORMATION

AdvanceCare Pharmacy
3225 Pacific Coast Hwy Suite E, Signal Hill, CA 90755
Phone 1 (562)498-3715, Phone 2 (562)498-3718 FAX (562)498-3718
rx.advancecare@gmail.com

For privacy-related concerns, request our full HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.