Disclaimer & Terms of Use for Divine Mercy Home’s Website and Related Services

Introduction

These Terms of Use (“Terms”) for Divine Mercy Home’s Referral Network (“Referral Network”) and the services provided in connection with the Referral Network (“Services”) constitute a legally binding agreement between you (“You” or “Your”) and Divine Mercy Home (“We”).

Divine Mercy Home (DMH) operates as a Catholic referral network. Our mission is to connect individuals, families, and parishes with community resources, volunteer ministries, and licensed healthcare providers who share our values of dignity, compassion, and faith. DMH does not provide medical care, diagnosis, treatment, or billing services. Instead, we facilitate connections between those in need and independent providers.

DMH may revise these Terms at any time. DMH will post revised terms on its website at divinemercyhome.org. You are responsible for checking the latest terms. Your use of DMH’s website or services after new terms are posted constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

1. Service Providers vs. Healthcare Providers

• Service Providers are community-based individuals or organizations (such as parish ministries, volunteers, or support services) who self-identify as not being subject to HIPAA. They provide non-medical assistance such as companionship, transportation, spiritual support, or practical household help.

• Healthcare Providers are licensed professionals or agencies (such as physicians, nurses, home health agencies, hospice, or palliative care teams). They remain fully responsible for HIPAA compliance, licensing, and adherence to all applicable laws.

• Collectively, Service Providers and Healthcare Providers are referred to as “Provider Users.”

2. Responsibilities of Provider Users

• Provider Users are independent and not employees, agents, or representatives of DMH. While DMH may conduct background checks and license verifications, Provider Users remain solely responsible for maintaining the necessary licensure, training, and authority to deliver their services.

• Healthcare Providers are solely responsible for safeguarding protected health information (PHI) and maintaining HIPAA compliance.

• Service Providers are responsible for the ethical and lawful handling of any personal information they may receive.

3. Privacy & Security

• DMH does not control, supervise, or assume responsibility for the actions of Provider Users. Participation in the Referral Network is voluntary, and other than referral services, all services are provided solely by providers who are independent of DMH.

• DMH protects personal information consistent with our Privacy Notice.

• DMH does not manage, store, or retain medical records on behalf of providers. Each provider is responsible for maintaining their own records in compliance with applicable laws.

• Unauthorized activities such as data scraping, impersonation, or misuse of platform content are strictly prohibited.

4. Consent to Referral

By requesting or accepting a referral through DMH, you acknowledge and agree that:

• DMH serves as a referral facilitator only.

• Providers are independent and solely responsible for the services they render.

• DMH is not responsible for outcomes, costs, or liabilities arising from services provided.

• DMH disclaims all warranties regarding the services offered by providers.

5. Website Use and Content

• DMH’s website may contain healthcare-related information intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of emergency, call 911.

• All information provided by DMH, including posts, resources, and linked materials, is for general reference only and should not replace consultation with qualified professionals.

• Users must respect the intellectual property rights of DMH and others.

6. HIPAA Compliance

• DMH itself is not a HIPAA-covered entity.

• Healthcare Providers referred through the network are fully responsible for their own HIPAA compliance.

• In the event of a HIPAA breach by a Provider User, the provider (not DMH) is responsible for all required notifications under applicable law.

7. Updates, Links, and Third-Party Services

• DMH may update, modify, or suspend website features or services at any time.

• Third-party vendors may assist with functionality (e.g., donations, referrals). The inclusion of external links and sponsored content does not imply endorsement by DMH.

• Users are encouraged to perform their own due diligence before engaging with third-party resources.

8. Feedback

• Any feedback submitted to DMH regarding website or service improvements becomes the property of DMH. Feedback is non-confidential.

9. Suspension or Termination of Access

• DMH reserves the right to suspend or terminate access to the website or services for violations of these Terms, including misuse, data breaches, or actions inconsistent with DMH’s faith-based mission, or for any other reason or for no reason.

10. Disclaimer of Warranties & Limitation of Liability

• DMH makes no express or implied warranties regarding the website or services. Use of DMH’s website and services is at your own risk.

• DMH is not liable for third-party content, service interruptions, or data inaccuracies.

• Users agree to indemnify and hold DMH harmless from claims arising from their misuse DMH’s website and/ or services or breach of these Terms.

11. Faith-Based Commitment

• DMH aspires to provide all referrals and services in alignment with Catholic values, affirming the dignity of every person as a child of God.

12. Acknowledgment

By using the DMH website or participating in the referral network, you acknowledge and agree that:

• You have read and understood these Terms and our Privacy Notice.

• If you are a Provider User, you remain fully responsible for lawful and ethical service delivery, including compliance with HIPAA (if applicable) and all other applicable laws and regulations.

• Provider Users are solely responsible for the services they provide and any associated documentation.

External Links Disclaimer

• The content of third-party sites
• Their privacy practices
• Their services or business operations

SMS Terms & Conditions

By opting in to receive SMS messages from Divine Mercy Home, you agree to receive recurring text updates about services, events, donation requests, and emergency notices.

The information (Phone Numbers) obtained as part of the SMS consent process will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

Message Frequency

• Typically 1–4 messages per week, depending on your interaction with us.

Message and Data Rates

• Standard rates apply. Check with your mobile provider.

Opt-In Method

You opt in by checking a box on our forms or providing your number through a contact form that includes a clear SMS consent statement.

Opt-Out Instructions

Reply STOP to stop receiving messages.

Help Instructions

Reply HELP for assistance or contact info@divinemercyhome.org

Sample SMS Messages for Reference

Opt-In Message (triggered automatically):

“Thanks for joining Divine Mercy Home updates! Expect 1–4 msgs/week. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help.”

Opt-Out Message:

“You’ve unsubscribed from Divine Mercy Home messages. No more texts will be sent. Reply START to rejoin.

Help Message:

“We send updates, waivers, & reminders. Msg & data rates may apply. Email info@divinemercyhome.com for support.”