CLINICAL UPDATES
from SpectraCell Laboratories, Inc.

Medical Disclaimer

The material contained within this website is protected under U.S. copyright law and remains the exclusive property of SpectraCell Laboratories, Inc. Reproduction, distribution or circulation of these materials without written permission by SpectraCell Laboratories, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Medical information within this site is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of any health condition. The reader assumes sole responsibility for all of the medical information contained within this site. SpectraCell Laboratories, Inc. cannot be held liable in any way for results stemming from the practical use of this information. For the treatment or diagnosis of any medical condition, consultation with a licensed health care professional is strongly recommended.

Privacy & Notice

SPECTRACELL LABORATORIES, INC’S NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

I. THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

II. SpectraCell Laboratories, Inc. (SpectraCell) is legally required to safeguard your protected health information. Protected Health Information includes information that can be used to identify you that SpectraCell has created or received about your past, present, or future health or condition, the provision of healthcare to you, or the payment of this healthcare. We recognize the importance of Protected Health Information and take all steps appropriate and necessary to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information.

SpectraCell is required by law to maintain the privacy of Protected Health Information and provide you with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to Protected Health Information. This document describes how SpectraCell uses and discloses your Protected Health Information.

SpectraCell reserves the right to change the terms of this notice and our privacy policies at any time, which will apply to the Protected Health Information we already have. Before any changes are made to our policies, we will promptly change this notice and post a new notice at our laboratory's main reception area. You may also request a copy of this notice from the contact person in section V, or view a copy at our website: www.spectracell.com.

III. How we may use and disclose your Protected Health Information.

It is the policy of SpectraCell to use or disclose Protected Health Information only as permitted by law as follows:

• To carry out treatment. (Example: test results made available to the authorizing healthcare provider)
• To obtain payment for treatment. (Example: Filing insurance, billing for services)
• For healthcare operations. We may disclose your Protected Health Information in order to operate this lab and evaluate the quality of our testing in compliance with laws and regulations that affect us.

Use or Disclosure In Accordance With an Authorization

SpectraCell may use and disclose your Protected Health Information for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations only with your written authorization which you may revoke at any time. The following section details specific uses and disclosures where consent or authorization is unnecessary:

Use or Disclosure Where Consent or Authorization is Unnecessary

SpectraCell may use or disclose your health information; to the extent you have been notified in advance and had the opportunity to object in whole or in part, under the following circumstances:

• To notify family, friends, or other individuals involved with your care or in the payment for your health care.
• In an emergency where the opportunity to object is not practical due to emergency circumstances or your incapacity; consent may be obtained retroactively.
• To an entity authorized to assist in disaster relief efforts.
• As required by federal, state, or local law.
• To a public health authority to carry out public health activities.
• To a government authority, under certain circumstances, in the event we reasonably believe you are a victim of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
• To a health oversight agency to conduct health oversight activities such as audits, civil, administrative or criminal investigations, inspections, licensure or disciplinary actions.
• To carry out judicial or administrative proceedings.
• To a medical examiner to identify a decedent or determine cause of death.
• For the purpose of conducting medical research.
• To comply with worker's compensation laws.

IV. What Rights You Have Regarding Your Protected Health Information

SpectraCell is committed to protecting your individual rights as they relate to your Protected Health Information.

• You have the right to authorize uses and disclosures of your Protected Health Information, and can request restrictions on future uses and disclosures of your Protected Health Information. We reserve the right to refuse to grant specific restrictions but, if we agree, will be bound by such restrictions. You may not limit the uses and disclosures that we are legally required or allowed to make.
• You have the right to receive communications in an alternative manner or at an alternative location - i.e. an alternative address or communications sent electronically.
• You have the right to access, inspect, and obtain copies of your own Protected Health Information unless otherwise prohibited by law. In accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), we must have written authorization from your physician before they may be released directly to you.
• You have the right to request that your Protected Health Information be amended.
• You have the right to receive an accounting of all disclosures made in accordance with an authorization.
• You have the right to request a copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices.

V. How To Complain About Our Privacy Practices

If you believe we may have violated your privacy rights, you may file a complaint with our Privacy Officer at SpectraCell Laboratories, Inc.. Please contact:

Privacy Officer
10401 Town Park Drive
Houston, TX 77027
713-621-3101

For further action, you may contact The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SpectraCell will take no retaliatory action against you if you file a complaint about our privacy practices.

VI. Effective Date of This Notice: 04/20/2003