Effective Date: 2/27/26
1. Commitment to Privacy
Essex County Hospital Center (ECHC) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients, visitors, and website users. We safeguard personal and health information in accordance with federal and state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
2. Information We Collect
Website Information
When you visit our website, we may collect:
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IP address
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Browser type and device information
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Pages visited and time spent on the site
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Information submitted through contact forms
This information is used to improve website performance and user experience.
Personal & Health Information
If you contact us, request services, or are admitted to ECHC, we may collect personal and protected health information (PHI), including:
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Name, address, phone number
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Date of birth
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Insurance information
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Medical and psychiatric history
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Court-related documentation (when applicable)
All Protected Health Information is handled in strict compliance with HIPAA and New Jersey law.
3. How We Use Information
We use collected information to:
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Provide treatment and coordinate care
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Process admissions and court-ordered services
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Communicate with patients and authorized representatives
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Improve services and website functionality
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Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
4. Disclosure of Information
We do not sell or rent personal information. Information may be shared only:
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With healthcare providers involved in treatment
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With courts or legal authorities when required
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With insurance providers for payment processing
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When required by law
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With patient authorization
5. Data Security
ECHC implements administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.
6. Patient Rights Under HIPAA
Patients have the right to:
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Access and obtain copies of their medical records
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Request corrections to their records
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Request restrictions on certain disclosures
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Receive an accounting of disclosures
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File a privacy complaint without fear of retaliation
For more information, please review our Notice of Privacy Practices.
7. Cookies & Website Tracking
Our website may use cookies to enhance user experience. Users may adjust browser settings to refuse cookies.
8. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to external websites. ECHC is not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party sites.
9. Accessibility & Non-Discrimination
ECHC does not discriminate in access to care or services. We are committed to accessibility and compliance with applicable civil rights laws.
10. Contact Information
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to file a privacy concern, please contact:
Vijay Prakash
Privacy Officer
Essex County Hospital Center
204 Grove Avenue, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
973-571-2814
vprakash@health.essexcountynj.org