APAA WEB SITE TERMS OF USE AND PRIVACY & HIPAA COMPLIANCE POLICY
ARTICLE I
Purpose and scope
These Terms of Use, Privacy and Data Protection Policy govern all access to and use of the website operated by ABA Providers Advocacy Alliance. The website functions as an institutional platform intended solely for informational, educational, administrative, advocacy and professional communication purposes related to providers of applied behavioral analysis, regulatory compliance, professional development and organizational initiatives promoted by APAA. Use of this website constitutes full, informed and legally binding acceptance of these Terms. Any user who does not agree should discontinue access immediately.
ARTICLE II
Regulatory status and legal compliance
APAA is a professional and advocacy alliance and does not provide medical, behavioral, clinical or therapeutic services through this website. All content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, clinical or professional advice. APAA operates in compliance with applicable federal and state laws governing privacy, data protection and confidentiality obligations of non-profit and advocacy organizations.
ARTICLE III
Privacy and data collection
APAA collects only personal information voluntarily submitted by users, such as names, contact details, professional credentials and organizational data, solely for legitimate purposes including membership administration, communications, promotional coordination, event management and internal records. APAA does not sell, rent or trade personal information. Disclosure is limited to circumstances required by law or necessary for the proper functioning of the organization's operations under confidentiality safeguards.
ARTICLE IV
HIPAA and Health Information Considerations
This website is not designed for the submission, storage or exchange of protected health information. Users are strictly prohibited from transmitting identifiable client data, clinical records or health-related information. APAA does not act as a covered entity or business partner for the purpose of exchanging clinical data through this platform. Any health-related referrals are incidental and subject to reasonable administrative and technical safeguards.
ARTICLE V
Cookies and site functionality
The website may use cookies and similar technologies to ensure proper functionality, enhance the user experience and support security and analytics. Cookies do not collect sensitive personal or health information. Users may disable cookies through their browser settings; however, doing so may limit certain features or functionality of the website. Continued use of the website constitutes consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy.
ARTICLE VI
SMS communications and consent
By providing a phone number, users expressly consent to receive SMS or electronic communications from APAA for legitimate organizational purposes, including membership updates, promotional alerts, administrative notices and event-related communications. The frequency of messages may vary. Users may opt-out at any time by following the instructions included in the message. APAA does not share marketing phone numbers with third parties.
ARTICLE VII
Third parties and business partners
APAA may contract with outside service providers to support website operations, communications, data hosting, analytics, or administrative functions. Such parties are permitted access to information only to the extent necessary to perform their services and are contractually obligated to maintain the confidentiality and security of the data. APAA is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of external websites linked through this platform.
ARTICLE VIII
Data retention
Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, comply with legal or regulatory obligations, or maintain accurate organizational records. APAA implements reasonable measures to ensure that retained data is protected from unauthorized access, disclosure or misuse.
ARTICLE IX
User rights
Users have the right to request access to their personal information, request corrections or request deletion where legally permitted. Requests should be submitted through the official contact channels provided on the website. APAA will respond within a reasonable time and in accordance with applicable law.
ARTICLE X
Prohibited conduct
Users agree not to misuse the website. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, submitting false or misleading information, uploading confidential or protected data, attempting to access restricted areas, interfering with website operations, or misrepresenting affiliation with APAA. Violations may result in suspension or termination of access and possible legal action.
ARTICLE XI
Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability
The website and its content are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. APAA makes no warranties with respect to accuracy, completeness or uninterrupted availability. Use of the website is at the user's sole risk. APAA shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of or reliance on the website or its content.
ARTICLE XII
Applicable law and jurisdiction
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. Any dispute arising out of or relating to the use of this website shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state or federal courts located in Florida.
ARTICLE XIII
Modifications and Contact
APAA reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Your continued use of the website after modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. Questions about these policies may be directed to APAA through the official contact information posted on this website.