PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: December 15th, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how information is collected, used, disclosed, and protected in connection with SIPResearch.org. This site is a research-oriented website intended for scholarly and educational purposes only and does not provide clinical services. This policy applies solely to interactions with SIPResearch.org and does not replace or supersede privacy notices applicable to separate clinical or professional services.

1. Scope and Applicability

This Privacy Policy applies to:

Visitors to our websites (including SIPResearch.org and related domains)
Individuals who contact us for academic, research, or professional correspondence
Research participants, where applicable

This policy does not replace or supersede specific notices required for clinical services, such as the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP), which will be provided separately when required.

2. Types of Information We May Collect

A. Non-Protected Information

We may collect limited information such as:

Name, email address, and contact details (if voluntarily provided)
General demographic information (non-identifying)
Website usage data (IP address, browser type, pages visited, dates/times)

This information is typically collected through contact forms, email correspondence, or standard website analytics.

B. Protected Health Information (PHI) (Clinical Context Only)

SIPResearch.org does not collect or store Protected Health Information. Any PHI referenced in this section applies only to separate clinical services governed by their own privacy notices and legal requirements.

When providing clinical services outside of SIPResearch.org, information that constitutes Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA may be collected, including:

Identifying information (name, address, date of birth)
Health, mental health, or treatment-related information
Billing and insurance information (if applicable)

PHI is collected only in the context of clinical services and is handled in accordance with HIPAA and applicable state law.

C. Research-Related Information

For research-related activities, any data collected will be:

Voluntary
Limited to the scope of the research purpose
De-identified whenever possible
Governed by applicable ethical and legal standards

3. How Information Is Used

Information may be used for the following purposes:

Responding to inquiries or correspondence
Providing professional or clinical services
Conducting academic or clinical research
Maintaining records as required by law or professional standards
Improving website functionality and security

We do not sell personal information.

4. Legal Bases for Processing (Where Applicable)

Depending on jurisdiction, information may be processed based on:

Consent
Performance of professional services
Legal or regulatory obligations
Legitimate professional interests, balanced with individual privacy rights

5. Disclosure of Information

Information may be disclosed only:

With explicit consent
As required or permitted by law (e.g., mandatory reporting, court orders)
To comply with professional, ethical, or legal obligations
To service providers who assist with operations (subject to confidentiality safeguards)

PHI will never be disclosed for marketing purposes.

6. HIPAA Compliance (Clinical Context)

When applicable, we comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and its implementing regulations.

Clients receiving clinical services will receive a Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) describing:

Permitted uses and disclosures of PHI
Individual rights regarding PHI
Our legal duties under HIPAA

In the event of a breach of unsecured PHI, affected individuals will be notified as required by law.

7. State-Specific Privacy Rights

Kansas

We comply with applicable Kansas statutes governing health information, professional confidentiality, and mandatory reporting obligations.

California (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents may have rights to:

Know what personal information is collected
Request deletion of personal information (subject to legal exceptions)
Opt out of certain data uses

Requests may be submitted using the contact information below. We will respond as required by law.

Other U.S. Jurisdictions

Where applicable, we comply with other state privacy and consumer protection laws.

8. Professional Ethical Standards

Our handling of information is guided by:

NASW Code of Ethics (confidentiality, informed consent, minimal disclosure)
APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (where applicable)
Applicable social work and mental health professional standards

Ethical obligations may at times require stricter confidentiality protections than statutory minimums.

9. Data Security

We employ reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information, including:

Secure electronic storage
Limited access controls
Encryption where appropriate

No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; however, we take privacy and data protection seriously.

10. Data Retention

Information is retained only for as long as necessary to:

Fulfill professional, legal, or ethical obligations
Comply with record-keeping requirements

Clinical records are retained in accordance with state law and professional standards.

11. Children’s Privacy

Our websites and services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate consent.

12. External Links

Our websites may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites.

13. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in law, ethics, or practice. Updates will be posted with a revised effective date.

14. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or privacy practices:

Andrew A. Amend, LSCSW
State of Practice: Kansas, USA
Email: info@sipresearch.org

This policy is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For jurisdiction-specific legal compliance, consultation with a qualified attorney is recommended.