This SMS Privacy Policy applies specifically to the Facil Health patient text messaging program. It supplements, and does not replace, the Qtrials Inc general website privacy policy or any applicable HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.

1. Purpose and scope

Qtrials Inc, doing business as FACIL and operating patient-facing services as Facil Health, uses SMS text messaging for non-marketing communications with patients who have given appropriate consent. Messages may concern appointment scheduling, appointment reminders and confirmations, rescheduling, laboratory or imaging visits, physical therapy appointments, pharmacy administrative coordination, office follow-up, and general administrative patient assistance. The SMS program is not used to send unsolicited advertisements.

2. Information we collect

To operate the SMS program, we may collect and maintain: (a) the patient’s name and mobile telephone number; (b) an SMS consent selection, its date, method, and related authorization record; (c) communication preferences and STOP or HELP requests; (d) messages and replies exchanged with the practice; and (e) operational records such as delivery status, message timestamps, and technical or security logs. We limit program use of this information to what is reasonably necessary to administer the service.

3. How consent is obtained

Patients may authorize SMS communications by choosing the optional SMS consent provision and signing the patient registration authorization during an in-person visit. SMS consent must be clearly distinguished from permission to receive voice calls and from authorization to release medical records. Receiving SMS is voluntary and is not a condition of obtaining medical treatment or purchasing services. We maintain a record of consent as part of the patient’s registration documentation.

4. How we use SMS information

We use SMS information to send requested administrative messages; confirm and reschedule appointments; respond to patient requests; manage delivery, HELP, and STOP instructions; document consent and revocation; and meet reasonable operational, legal, security, and compliance needs. We do not use participation in this administrative messaging program as authorization to send promotional campaigns.

5. No sale or marketing sharing of mobile information

No mobile information will be shared with or sold to third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. SMS opt-in data, mobile telephone numbers, and consent records are not sold or shared with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing, advertising, or promotional purposes. No SMS consent obtained for Facil Health is transferred for another organization’s independent messaging program.

6. Providers and other limited disclosures

Authorized telecommunications carriers and messaging service providers, including Vitelity or its service partners, may process the limited information needed to route messages, operate the SMS service, provide support, and maintain security on our behalf. Such processing is for the Facil Health program and does not authorize those providers to use patient mobile information or SMS consent for their independent marketing. We may also disclose information where required or permitted by applicable law. Information used in the SMS program is not sold.

7. Your choices: STOP, HELP, and patient portal

Patients may request to stop future SMS messages by replying STOP to the sending number, by disabling SMS consent in the patient portal, or by contacting our office. Reply HELP for assistance. For program support, call (305) 560-6040. We will record requests to revoke permission and apply them to the messaging program. An opt-out confirmation may be sent. Patients who later wish to receive texts must complete a valid new opt-in process. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.

8. Healthcare privacy and SMS limitations

Standard SMS may pass through mobile carriers and appear on a device lock screen; it is not an appropriate channel for emergencies or sensitive clinical discussions. The Facil Health administrative texting program is not intended to send diagnoses, laboratory results, prescription details, or other sensitive medical content by ordinary SMS. Patients should use the secure patient portal or call the medical office for private clinical matters. Protected health information, where applicable, is addressed separately by the practice’s HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices and applicable laws.

9. Retention and protection

We retain SMS contact information, authorization records, communication history, and opt-out preferences as reasonably necessary to operate the program, document consent, address requests, and comply with applicable recordkeeping obligations. Access to SMS information is limited to people and service providers who need it for legitimate duties. No electronic transmission or storage method can be guaranteed completely secure.

10. Policy updates and contact

We may revise this policy when our messaging practices or legal requirements change. The effective date will be updated when a revised version is published. For questions about this SMS Privacy Policy, your consent, or SMS communications, contact Qtrials Inc DBA FACIL / Facil Health at (305) 560-6040, 6785 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33144, or through www.qtrials.com. For urgent medical concerns, do not use text messaging; call your healthcare provider directly. In an emergency, call 911.

FACIL® is a registered trademark of Qtrials Inc. U.S. Trademark Registration No. 7,518,759.