Last Updated: 4/9/2025
1. Introduction
At Guardian Care, including our affiliates such as Indiana Family Caregivers (“we,” “us,” or “our”), we value your privacy and want you to feel secure when using our services. This Privacy Policy outlines the methods by which we collect, use, safeguard, and distribute your personal information provided through our website. We do so in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and any applicable state privacy laws.
By accessing or using our website and related services (collectively, the “Services”), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Services.
2. Scope of this Policy
This Policy applies to personal information collected through our website or any other online service we operate that links to this Policy. It does not apply to information collected by us offline or through any third-party websites, services, or applications that may link to or be accessible from our website.
3. Information We Collect
- Personal Information: We may collect information such as your name, email address, postal address, phone number, or any other information you provide when you fill out forms on our website or communicate with us. We may also collect similar information when you communicate directly with our affiliates (e.g., IFCG, Guardian Health (HHA)) if your inquiries or services involve those entities.
- Health/Medical Information: To the extent that you provide any Protected Health Information (PHI) as defined under HIPAA (for example, information about your or your loved ones’ health conditions or services requested), we will handle it in accordance with HIPAA regulations and our internal policies.
- Device and Usage Information: We may collect information about your computer or mobile device (e.g., IP address, browser type, and operating system), the pages you visit, and the dates/times of your visits. This helps us improve user experience and troubleshoot any issues you may encounter.
- Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance your experience, gather usage data, and understand how our website is being used. These technologies can include session cookies, persistent cookies, or other tracking methods that allow us or third parties (such as analytics providers) to recognize you and your preferences over time. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse some or all cookies, but please note that some features of our website may not function properly if you do so.
- Information from Third Parties and Affiliates: In some cases, we may receive additional information from our affiliates (e.g., IFCG, Guardian Health (HHA)) or other third parties that help us provide or improve our services. If you use or sign up for services that involve these entities, they may share relevant information with us, consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
4. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for purposes such as:
- Providing and Coordinating Services: Scheduling appointments, processing requests, and delivering home health or personal services. Where appropriate, this may include sharing limited information with our affiliates (e.g., IFCG, Guardian Health (HHA)) to coordinate patient care or manage billing.
- Communication: Sending you notifications about your account, updates, or other relevant information. This may also include contacting you regarding changes to our services, new offerings, or policy updates.
- Compliance with Law: Fulfilling legal or regulatory requirements, including HIPAA regulations and state healthcare laws. We may use or disclose personal information when required by applicable law, regulation, or legal process (e.g., in response to a court order).
- Improvement and Personalization: Analyzing how our Services are used to improve their quality, personalize your experience, and develop new features. This may involve aggregating or de-identifying personal information so we can better understand usage trends, enhance service performance, and address technical issues.
- Marketing and Promotions: With your consent (or as otherwise legally permissible), we may use your contact information to send you promotional materials or offers for products and services that may be of interest. You can opt out of such communications at any time.
5. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share it under the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: With third parties who provide services on our behalf (e.g., data hosting, payment processing, communication tools), under contractual obligations consistent with this Policy.
- Legal Requirements: When required to do so by law, subpoena, court order, or other legal process, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights or the rights of others.
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale of assets, financing, or acquisition of all or a portion of our business by another company, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction.
- Business Associates: We may share your information with contracted business associates, including consultants, vendors, and other third-party partners, as necessary to support, enhance, or improve our healthcare services and business operations. These associates are obligated to protect your information and may only use it in accordance with our agreements and applicable privacy laws.
6. HIPAA Compliance
To the extent we act as a Covered Entity or Business Associate under HIPAA, we will comply with HIPAA rules governing the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI). This includes implementing administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect PHI. For more information about your HIPAA rights, please contact us using the details below.
7. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.
8. Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures designed to protect the security of your personal information. However, no security measures are infallible. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
9. User Consent and Choice
- Consent: By using our website, you consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy.
- Revoking Consent: If you wish to revoke your consent for our handling of your personal information, please contact us at the email or phone number below. However, revoking consent may limit your ability to use certain features of our Services.
10. Children’s Privacy
Our Services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with their information, please contact us so we can remove it.
11. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. The updated version will be indicated by an updated “Last Updated” date and will be effective as soon as it is accessible. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed of any updates.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy or our data practices, you can reach us at:
- Email: compliance_department@myguardian.care
- Phone: (317) 360-0359
- Mail: Guardian Care, Inc.,11 Municipal Dr, Suite 200, Fishers, IN 46038