Roderick Vergel De Dios, MD

For 2025, SMS texting policies for medical practices like Vergel de Dios Family Clinic must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act HIPAA and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act TCPA.
SMS Privacy Policy:
----- An SMS privacy policy details how patient data is handled to ensure confidentiality and legal compliance.
----- Information Collection: Vergel de Dios Family Clinic collects names and mobile numbers specifically for SMS updates, such as appointment reminders and health notifications.
----- One-to-One Consent: In accordance with 2025 guidelines, consent must be explicit and "one-to-one," meaning patients only consent to receive messages from Vergel de Dios Family Clinic specifically, not from third parties. SMS consent is not shared with third parties.
----- No Sharing Clause: Explicitly state that mobile numbers and SMS consent will not be shared, sold, or disclosed to third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes.
----- Security Encryption: While the clinic uses industry-standard measures, standard SMS is not inherently encrypted. Patients should be warned that messages could potentially be viewed by unauthorized parties if their device is not secured.
----- HIPAA Compliance: Confirm that our clinic limits the amount of Protected Health Information PHI sent via text to the "minimum necessary" e.g., datetime of appointment and uses secure platforms for detailed clinical communication.

SMS Terms and Conditions:
These terms outline the "rules of engagement" for patients opting into the service.
Program Description: Identify that messages may include appointment reminders, scheduling changes, and general health tips.
---- By providing your phone number and 'CONSENTING,' you agree to receive text messages from Roderick Vergel de Dios, MD dba Vergel de Dios Family Clinic at the phone number provided. Consent is not a condition to be a patient in our office. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. View our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
----- Opt-In Confirmation: Patients must provide "prior express verbal consent or written consent" to receive automated messages. The first message sent must be a confirmation "Welcome" message.
----- Message Frequency: State that message frequency varies based on interaction e.g., "up to 4 messages per month".
----- Message and Data Rates: Include the mandatory disclosure: "Standard message and data rates may apply".
----- Opt-Out STOP: Provide clear instructions for unsubscribing, typically by replying STOP to any message. Requests must be processed immediately or within 24 hours.
----- Help Instructions: Include instructions to reply HELP for customer support or contact the clinic directly at 956 686-6644 8am-4pm Monday-Friday.
----- Prohibited Hours: Note that automated messages will only be sent during "waking hours," generally between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM local time.

Actionable Compliance Checklist for 2025:
----- Register for 10DLC: Ensure the clinics phone number is registered with The Campaign Registry TCR to verify the brand and improve message deliverability.
----- Separate Opt-ins: Do not bundle SMS consent with other marketing or medical forms; it must be a standalone, un-checked box or a separate signature.
Record Keeping: Maintain timestamped records of all opt-ins to defend against potential TCPA disputes.