Privacy Policy — Autism 911 HelpLine

This Privacy Policy explains how AUTISM 911 HELPLINE, CORP. ("Autism 911," "we," "us," or "our"), a Florida nonprofit corporation, collects, uses, discloses, and protects information in connection with the Autism 911 HelpLine mobile application (the "App").

By downloading, accessing, or using the App, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with it, please do not use the App.

1. Who we are

2. Information we collect

2.1 Information you provide

• Account and contact information: name, email address, telephone number, and any password or credential you create.
• Communications: messages, questions, requests for assistance, and feedback you send to us through the App.
• Optional information: any additional details you choose to share with us in the course of requesting information or support.

2.2 Information collected automatically

• Device and technical data: device model, operating system version, App version, language, time zone, and general diagnostic information.
• Usage data: features accessed, session duration, and crash or error reports used to maintain and improve the App.

2.3 Information we do not collect

The App does not collect precise geolocation, does not access your contacts, and does not use your information for advertising, profiling, or behavioral tracking across other companies' apps or websites.

3. Protected Health Information and HIPAA

To the extent that Autism 911 receives, creates, maintains, or transmits Protected Health Information ("PHI") as those terms are defined under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and its implementing regulations ("HIPAA"), that information is handled in accordance with HIPAA and with applicable Florida law, and is limited to the information permitted or required under those rules.

This Privacy Policy does not replace our Notice of Privacy Practices. Where HIPAA applies, our Notice of Privacy Practices governs how PHI is used and disclosed and describes your rights with respect to that information, including your right to access, amend, and request restrictions on your health information, and to receive an accounting of certain disclosures. In the event of a conflict between this Privacy Policy and our Notice of Privacy Practices with respect to PHI, the Notice of Privacy Practices controls.

We use PHI only as permitted by HIPAA — for treatment, payment, and health care operations; as authorized in writing by the individual or their personal representative; or as otherwise required or permitted by law.

4. How we use information

• To create and maintain your account and authenticate access to the App.
• To respond to your questions and provide the informational and referral services offered through the App.
• To operate, maintain, secure, troubleshoot, and improve the App.
• To communicate with you about service-related matters, including changes to the App or to this Policy.
• To comply with legal obligations and to protect the rights, safety, and property of users, the public, and Autism 911.

5. How we share information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information, and we do not share it for cross-context behavioral advertising.

We disclose information only in the following circumstances:

• Service providers: vendors that host, secure, or support the App and act on our instructions under written agreements. Where those vendors handle PHI, we enter into a HIPAA-compliant Business Associate Agreement with them.
• With your authorization: when you direct us to share information, or when you provide a valid written authorization.
• Legal requirements: when required by law, subpoena, court order, or other lawful process, or to comply with a governmental or regulatory request.
• Safety: when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to prevent imminent harm to any person.
• Organizational changes: in connection with a merger, consolidation, dissolution, or transfer of assets, subject to the confidentiality protections described in this Policy and, where applicable, HIPAA.

6. Data retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, to comply with our legal, tax, and recordkeeping obligations as a nonprofit organization, and to resolve disputes or enforce our agreements. Records containing PHI are retained for the periods required under HIPAA and applicable Florida law. When information is no longer needed, we delete it or de-identify it using reasonable and appropriate methods.

7. Security

We implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards designed to protect information against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, and destruction, including encryption of data in transit, access controls based on job function, and periodic review of our security practices.

No method of transmission or electronic storage is completely secure. While we work to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. Please use a strong, unique password and notify us immediately at info@autism911helpline.org if you believe your account has been compromised.

8. Your choices and rights

• Access and correction: you may review and update your account information within the App, or by contacting us.
• Account deletion: you may delete your account and associated personal information at any time from within the App, or by writing to info@autism911helpline.org. We will process the request within a reasonable period, except for information we are legally required to retain.
• Communications: you may opt out of non-essential messages at any time. We may still send you service-related notices necessary to operate your account.
• Device permissions: you may enable or disable notifications and other device permissions through your device settings at any time.
• HIPAA rights: where PHI is involved, you also hold the rights described in our Notice of Privacy Practices.

9. Children's privacy

The App is intended for use by adults — parents, legal guardians, caregivers, and professionals. It is not directed to children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 years of age.

Where a parent or legal guardian provides information relating to a child in order to obtain information or services, that information is collected from and with the consent of the adult, and is treated with the same protections described in this Policy and, where applicable, under HIPAA. If you believe a child has provided us information directly, contact us at info@autism911helpline.org and we will delete it.

10. Third-party links and services

The App may contain links to third-party websites, insurers, provider directories, or public resources. We do not control those third parties and are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policy of any third-party service before providing information to it.

11. Data location

Autism 911 operates in the United States and information collected through the App is processed and stored in the United States. If you access the App from outside the United States, you understand that your information will be transferred to and processed in the United States.

12. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date above and, where the changes are material, provide notice through the App or by email. Your continued use of the App after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

13. Contact us

Questions, requests, or complaints about this Policy or about our handling of your information:

If you believe your privacy rights under HIPAA have been violated, you may file a complaint with us using the contact information above, or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights. We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.