Cookie & Tracking Technologies Policy
American Hospital Clinics
This Cookie & Tracking Technologies Policy describes how American Hospital Clinics (“American Hospital”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit www.americanhospital.qa. It explains how these technologies work, the legal basis for their use, and the choices available to you regarding your personal data.
This policy is designed in accordance with Qatar Law No. 13 of 2016 on Personal Data Privacy Protection, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and internationally recognized healthcare data protection principles, including HIPAA safeguards.
1. Understanding Cookies and Similar Technologies
Cookies are small data files stored on your device when you interact with a website. They allow the website to recognize your browser, remember preferences, and operate efficiently.
We may also use similar technologies such as pixels, tags, or scripts that serve comparable purposes, including analytics and service optimization.
Cookies may be:
- First-party cookies, placed directly by our website
- Third-party cookies, placed by trusted service providers acting on our behalf
2. Legal Basis for Using Cookies
Under applicable data protection laws, we process information collected through cookies based on one or more of the following legal grounds:
- Your explicit consent, where required
- Legitimate interests, such as improving website performance and security
- Legal and regulatory obligations applicable to healthcare providers
- Performance of services you request through our website
Where consent is required, cookies will only be activated after your approval via our cookie preference tool.
3. How We Use Cookies
Cookies are used on our website for clearly defined and limited purposes, including:
- Maintaining website security and stability
- Enabling essential website functionality
- Measuring website performance and usage trends
- Improving user experience and content relevance
- Supporting communication and outreach initiatives
- Managing session continuity and user preferences
We do not use cookies to diagnose medical conditions, collect clinical data, or store protected health information (PHI).
4. Categories of Cookies Used
a) Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled through our systems. They support core features such as navigation, form submissions, and secure access.
b) Analytics & Performance Cookies
These cookies collect aggregated and anonymized data about website usage to help us understand how visitors interact with our site and how we can improve it.
c) Preference Cookies
These cookies remember user selections such as language or region to provide a more personalized experience.
d) Communication & Outreach Cookies
Used to ensure relevant messaging and to measure the effectiveness of our digital communication efforts. These cookies do not directly identify individuals.
5. Healthcare Data Protection Commitment (HIPAA Principles)
American Hospital Clinics applies healthcare-grade data protection standards across all digital platforms. In line with HIPAA-aligned practices:
- No medical records or sensitive health data are stored in cookies
- Data collected via cookies is minimized and purpose-limited
- Access to data is restricted and monitored
- Technical and organizational safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorized access
6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You remain in full control of your cookie choices. You may:
- Accept or reject non-essential cookies through our Cookie Settings
- Modify your browser settings to block or delete cookies
- Withdraw consent at any time without affecting lawful processing already performed
Please note that restricting certain cookies may impact website functionality.
7. Data Retention
Cookies are retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill their stated purpose, in accordance with legal requirements and internal retention policies.
8. Your Rights Under Data Protection Laws
Subject to applicable law, you have the right to:
- Access personal data we hold about you
- Request correction or deletion of data
- Restrict or object to certain processing activities
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority
Requests may be submitted through our contact channels listed on the website.
9. Updates to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, technology, or operational practices. Any updates will be published on this page with a revised effective date.
Last Updated: 03 May 2025
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