Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 4, 2026
1. Introduction
Docere Medical Foundation ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, make donations, or interact with our services. As a medical foundation, we adhere to strict healthcare privacy standards including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance where applicable.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Contact information (name, email address, phone number, mailing address)
- Payment information (credit card details, PayPal account information)
- Donation history and preferences
- Volunteer application information
- Newsletter subscription data
2.2 Medical Information (HIPAA-Protected)
For patients using our support portal or applying for medical programs:
- Medical history and conditions
- Treatment information and healthcare provider details
- Insurance information
- Financial assistance application data
- Health records necessary for program eligibility
HIPAA Notice: All Protected Health Information (PHI) is handled in compliance with HIPAA regulations. We implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your medical information.
2.3 Automatically Collected Information
- IP address and device information
- Browser type and version
- Pages visited and time spent on our website
- Referring website addresses
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
- Donation Processing: To process and acknowledge your financial contributions
- Tax Documentation: To provide tax receipts and donation records (EIN: 99-4693247)
- Medical Program Administration: To evaluate eligibility and provide patient support services
- Communication: To send newsletters, updates, and program information
- Website Improvement: To analyze usage and enhance user experience
- Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Security: To detect, prevent, and address fraud or security issues
4. Data Protection & Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:
- SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
- Secure payment processing through PCI-DSS compliant providers (PayPal)
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Access controls and authentication mechanisms
- Encrypted databases for sensitive information storage
- HIPAA-compliant data handling procedures for medical information
- Employee training on data privacy and security protocols
Important: While we strive to protect your information, no internet transmission is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but continuously work to maintain the highest standards.
5. Information Sharing & Disclosure
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: With third-party vendors who assist in operations (payment processors, email services)
- Healthcare Partners: With medical providers when necessary for program administration (with your consent)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
- Protection of Rights: To protect our legal rights, property, or safety
- Business Transfers: In connection with mergers, acquisitions, or asset sales
We do NOT sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
6. Your Privacy Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal information we hold
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
- Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format
- Restriction: Request limitation of processing in certain circumstances
For medical information, you have additional HIPAA rights including the right to:
- Access and obtain a copy of your medical records
- Request amendments to your medical information
- Receive an accounting of disclosures
- Request confidential communications
To exercise these rights, contact us at: privacy@docerefoundation.org
7. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.
Types of cookies we use:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices
- Marketing Cookies: Track effectiveness of campaigns (with consent)
8. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
9. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately to have it removed.
10. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
11. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Donation records are kept for tax and audit purposes for at least 7 years. Medical records are retained in compliance with applicable healthcare regulations.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Contact Information
Docere Medical Foundation
Tax ID (EIN): 99-4693247
Privacy Officer:
Email: privacy@docerefoundation.org
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Mailing Address: [Foundation Address]
HIPAA Compliance Officer:
Email: hipaa@docerefoundation.org
14. State-Specific Privacy Rights
California Residents (CCPA)
California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information is collected and the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.
European Union Residents (GDPR)
If you are in the European Economic Area, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to data portability, right to be forgotten, and the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.