SMS Communications Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Better Health RX Pharmacy ("we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy. This SMS Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect personal information when you opt in to receive text message (SMS) communications from us. This policy applies to all SMS communications sent from our business phone number(s) and supplements our general Notice of Privacy Practices governing protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA.

2. Information We Collect

When you opt in to receive SMS messages from us, we collect:

• Your mobile phone number;
• Your first and last name (for personalization);
• The date, time, and method by which you provided consent (verbal opt-in by phone or in person, written opt-in via intake form);
• Records of messages we send to you and any opt-out keywords (such as STOP) you reply with.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information you provide solely to send you the SMS communications you have consented to receive, which may include:

• Notifications that your prescription is ready for pickup;
• Refill reminders for medications you have on file;
• Pharmacy updates such as holiday hours or temporary closures;
• Account- and order-related notifications.

We do not use your mobile number or SMS opt-in information for any purpose other than the communications described above.

4. No Sharing or Sale of Information to Third Parties

The only exceptions, which are limited to operational necessity, are:

• Mobile carriers and SMS infrastructure providers (such as our telecommunications platform vendor) that are required to deliver the messages you have requested. These providers are contractually bound to protect your information and may use it only to facilitate message delivery.
• Lawful disclosures to government authorities, regulators, or courts when required by valid legal process.

5. Your Choices and Opt-Out Rights

Your participation in our SMS program is entirely voluntary. Consent to receive SMS messages is never a condition of purchase or of receiving pharmacy services. You may opt out at any time by:

• Replying STOP to any text message you receive from us. Recognized opt-out keywords also include UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, and QUIT.
• Calling the pharmacy at 212-222-8672 and requesting removal from text message communications.
• Notifying any staff member in person.

After you opt out, you will receive one final confirmation message and no further messages. You may opt back in at any time by contacting the pharmacy.

For help, you may reply HELP to any message, or call us during business hours.

6. Message Frequency, Rates, and Delivery

Message frequency varies, typically four to eight (4–8) messages per month per patient. Standard message and data rates may be charged by your mobile carrier; Better Health RX Pharmacy does not charge for SMS messages. Message delivery is dependent on your mobile carrier and is not guaranteed.

7. Data Security

We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect the personal information collected through our SMS program. Access to consent records and patient communications is limited to authorized pharmacy personnel with a legitimate business need.

8. Relationship to HIPAA

SMS messages we send do not contain protected health information (PHI) such as drug names, dosages, or diagnoses. By opting in, you acknowledge that SMS is not a fully secure communications channel and that messages may be visible to anyone with access to your mobile device. Our handling of PHI more broadly is governed by the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and is described in our separate Notice of Privacy Practices, available at the pharmacy upon request.

9. Data Retention

We retain SMS consent records and message logs for the duration of the patient relationship plus seven (7) years thereafter, or as required by applicable law, whichever is longer. After this period, records are securely deleted or de-identified.

10. Children's Privacy

Our SMS program is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect mobile numbers from children. If you believe a child has provided us a mobile number, please contact us so we may remove the information.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this SMS Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. The effective date at the top of this policy will indicate when it was last revised. Continued participation in the SMS program after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this SMS Privacy Policy, your data, or the SMS program, please contact us at: