Text Messages

Text Message Privacy Policy

At the request of person-served, CNS Healthcare staff may use HIPAA-compliant texting for brief conversations.  These conversations are not meant to be used to treat or diagnose any condition and are not a substitute for face-to-face appointments. Messages may be conversational messages, which are back-and-forth conversations between individuals with no automated responses involved. Messages may also be informational, to share important information like appointment reminders, etc.

If at any time persons-served wish to stop text messages they may opt-out by replying “STOP”. If they have any issues please reply “HELP” to any message or email info@cnshealthcare.org .

The CNS Healthcare employee handbook / policy manual has written documentation on the appropriate use of text messaging within the company. Employees must acknowledge receipt of these materials annually.

Opt In Statement: To Opt in at anytime reply or begin a new conversation to your clinician saying START. Returned message: Thank you for opting into SMS messages from CNS Healthcare. To opt out at any time reply STOP. 

Opt Out Statement: To opt out at any time reply STOP.   Returned message: Thank you for opting-out of SMS messages from CNS Healthcare. To opt back in at any time reply START. 

Help Statement:  To receive help out at any time reply HELP.  Returned message: Thank you for contacting CNS Healthcare, we will be in touch with you soon to help. Please ensure that info@cnshealthcare.org is not blocked or going to your spam messages.

Text messages between persons-served and employees are NOT automated reminders.  These will be common messages that may contain hyperlinks, pictures or plain text. These text messages are conversational only. This will not be used for promotional or marketing messages. Phone numbers will never be shared or sold to a third party. 

To view CNS Healthcare’s full privacy policy, click here. 

Collecting Numbers 

Persons-served may consent and begin text conversations a few ways. They may show their consent by sending the opt-in message to a member of their care team.  Persons-served numbers may also be collected at intake appointments, or any appointment with a member of their care team.  Persons-served will provide verbal consent for text messages to members of their care team, including case managers, front desk staff, receptionists, and more. Numbers collected are inputted into a secure, electronic health record.

Staff consent to receive text messages at their employee onboarding meeting and will provide verbal consent to CNS Healthcare Human Resources staff. Numbers collected are inputted into a secure human resource information system.