Website Privacy Policy, Disclaimer & Terms of Use
Effective Date: July 1, 2026
Last Updated: July 1, 2026
Memorial Pulmonary & Sleep Disorders Associates (DBA “The Respire Institute,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) provides this Website Privacy Policy, Disclaimer & Terms of Use to explain how information may be collected, used, shared, and managed when you visit or interact with our website and digital services that link to this policy.
This policy applies to [insert website URL] and related website pages, online forms, digital content, and other website-based services operated by or on behalf of The Respire Institute.
This policy does not replace or modify our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices. If you are a patient of The Respire Institute, information that qualifies as protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and its implementing regulations, commonly known as HIPAA, is handled according to our separate HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
By accessing or using our website, you agree to this Website Privacy Policy, Disclaimer & Terms of Use. If you do not agree, please do not use the website.
1. About The Respire Institute’s Website
The Respire Institute provides information through our website to help patients, referring providers, community members, and other visitors learn about our pulmonary, critical care, sleep medicine, pulmonary rehabilitation, research, and related healthcare services.
The information available on this website is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Use of this website does not create a physician-patient, provider-patient, or other healthcare professional relationship with The Respire Institute or any of its physicians, advanced practice providers, employees, or affiliates.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition, diagnosis, treatment, medication, procedure, or care plan.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate emergency care.
2. Information You May Provide to Us
Depending on how you use the website, you may choose to provide certain information to us through online forms, links, phone calls, email, downloads, or other digital interactions.
This may include:
• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Date of birth, if requested for a specific purpose
• Appointment request information
• Referral-related information
• Research interest or clinical trial inquiry information
• Insurance-related information, if requested
• Provider or practice information, if submitted by a referring office
• Questions, comments, or messages you choose to submit
• Any other information you voluntarily provide through the website
Please do not use general website forms for emergencies or urgent medical needs.
If you submit information through a website form, email link, or other digital method, we may use that information to respond to your request, route your inquiry to the appropriate team, assist with scheduling or referral coordination, provide requested information, or support related administrative functions.
3. Information Collected Automatically
When you visit or interact with our website, certain information may be collected automatically through your browser, device, website settings, analytics tools, cookies, tags, pixels, embedded scripts, or similar technologies.
Depending on your device settings, browser settings, consent choices, and the tools active on the website, this information may include:
• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device type
• Operating system
• Approximate location based on browser or device information
• Referring website or source
• Pages viewed
• Links clicked
• Time spent on pages
• Date and time of visit
• Website performance data
• Search terms used on the website, if applicable
• Interaction data related to forms, buttons, videos, maps, downloads, or embedded tools
• Cookie identifiers or similar online identifiers, where applicable
We may use this information to operate, maintain, secure, analyze, and improve our website and digital services.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to support website functionality, improve user experience, analyze website performance, understand how visitors interact with our content, and, where applicable, support marketing or communications efforts.
These technologies may include:
• Cookies
• Tags
• Pixels
• Web beacons
• Embedded scripts
• Analytics tools
• Device identifiers
• Third-party integrations
• Other similar technologies
Cookies are small files or pieces of data that may be stored on your device when you visit a website. Some cookies are necessary for a website to function properly. Others may be used for analytics, preferences, embedded features, or marketing-related purposes.
The types of cookies or tracking technologies used on our website may include:
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These support essential website functionality, security, and performance. These may be required for the website to work properly and may not be able to be disabled through our cookie preference tool.
Analytics Cookies
These help us understand how visitors interact with our website, which pages are viewed, how users navigate the site, and how we can improve the website experience.
Functional Cookies
These may support enhanced website features, such as embedded maps, video content, preference settings, or third-party tools.
Marketing or Advertising Cookies
These may be used to understand campaign performance or deliver relevant content. The Respire Institute evaluates the use of marketing and advertising technologies carefully, particularly on healthcare-related pages.
We are reviewing and managing non-essential tracking technologies so that analytics and marketing tools operate according to applicable consent settings.
5. Cookie Preferences and Consent Choices
When available, our website may provide a cookie banner or cookie preference tool that allows visitors to accept, reject, or manage certain categories of non-essential cookies and tracking technologies.
You may be able to manage your cookie preferences by selecting options such as:
• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Manage preferences by category
• Update or withdraw preferences later through a Cookie Preferences link
Your browser may also allow you to block, delete, or manage cookies. Please note that browser-level settings may affect website functionality, and some features may not work as intended if cookies are disabled.
If we use Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, or related Google tools, we may configure those tools to honor applicable consent settings, including Google Consent Mode, where applicable.
A Cookie Preferences link may be provided in the website footer so visitors can revisit or update their choices.
6. Third-Party Tools and Services
The Respire Institute may use third-party vendors, platforms, or service providers to support website functionality, analytics, security, hosting, forms, scheduling, communications, maps, videos, reviews, or other digital services.
Depending on the website configuration, these may include tools such as:
• Website hosting and content management tools
• Google Analytics
• Google Tag Manager
• Google Maps
• Google Search Console
• Google Ads or other campaign measurement tools, if applicable
• Meta Pixel or other social media tracking tools, if applicable
• Metricool or social media management tools, if applicable
• Embedded video platforms, such as YouTube or Vimeo
• Online form tools
• Scheduling or appointment request tools
• Referral-related tools
• Review or reputation management widgets
• Security, spam prevention, or performance tools
• Email marketing or newsletter platforms, if applicable
• Other vendors that support website operations
These third parties may collect or process information according to their own privacy policies, contractual obligations, and applicable law.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices, security practices, content, or policies of third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by The Respire Institute. If you interact with a third-party website, platform, or embedded service, we encourage you to review that third party’s privacy policy.
7. How We Use Information
We may use information collected through the website for purposes such as:
• Responding to inquiries
• Assisting with appointment requests
• Assisting with referral-related inquiries
• Providing information about our services
• Responding to research interest inquiries
• Improving website content and functionality
• Understanding how visitors use the website
• Measuring website performance
• Supporting marketing, outreach, or educational communications, where appropriate
• Maintaining website security
• Preventing fraud, misuse, or unauthorized access
• Complying with legal, regulatory, administrative, or operational obligations
• Supporting internal business operations
• Carrying out any other purpose disclosed at the time information is collected
We do not use website information to provide emergency medical services.
8. How We Share Information
We may share information collected through the website with third parties when appropriate to operate the website, respond to requests, provide services, support business operations, comply with legal obligations, or protect the rights and safety of The Respire Institute, our patients, our workforce, or others.
This may include sharing information with:
• Website hosting providers
• IT and security vendors
• Analytics providers
• Form and communication vendors
• Scheduling or referral support vendors
• Email or newsletter platforms, if applicable
• Marketing or campaign measurement platforms, if applicable
• Legal, compliance, accounting, or administrative advisors
• Government, regulatory, or law enforcement authorities when required or permitted by law
• Other service providers that support our website or operations
Where required, The Respire Institute enters into appropriate agreements with vendors or service providers.
If a vendor may create, receive, maintain, or transmit protected health information on behalf of The Respire Institute, we evaluate whether a HIPAA business associate agreement or other appropriate safeguards are required.
9. HIPAA and Protected Health Information
The Respire Institute is committed to protecting patient privacy.
This Website Privacy Policy, Disclaimer & Terms of Use explains how information may be collected and used through our general website and digital services.
Information that qualifies as protected health information under HIPAA is governed by our separate HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices. That notice explains how we may use and disclose protected health information, patient rights related to protected health information, and how patients may contact us with privacy questions or complaints.
If there is a conflict between this Website Privacy Policy and our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices regarding protected health information, the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices will control.
Please do not submit urgent medical concerns, emergency information, or highly sensitive medical details through general website forms unless the form specifically instructs you to do so and is intended for that purpose.
10. Online Forms and Communications
The Respire Institute website may include contact forms, appointment request forms, referral inquiry forms, research interest forms, newsletter forms, downloadable resource forms, or other online submission tools.
Information submitted through these tools may be used to respond to your request or route your message to the appropriate department.
Submitting a form does not guarantee an appointment, referral acceptance, research eligibility, provider-patient relationship, or medical advice.
If you need immediate medical assistance, call 911 or seek emergency care.
If you are an existing patient and need to communicate about your medical care, please use the communication method directed by The Respire Institute, such as calling the office or using an approved patient communication channel.
11. SMS and Text Messaging
If you provide a mobile phone number to The Respire Institute, we may use that number to contact you regarding scheduling, appointment reminders, administrative updates, or other service-related communications, where permitted.
Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply.
If text messaging is used, you may be able to opt out by following the instructions provided in the message, such as replying “STOP,” where applicable.
Text messaging may not be fully secure. We make reasonable efforts to limit sensitive information in standard text messages. Communications containing protected health information may be subject to our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices and may be handled through separate secure channels when appropriate.
12. Email Communications
If you contact us by email or provide your email address through the website, we may use your email address to respond to your inquiry or provide information related to your request.
Email communications may not be fully secure. Please do not include sensitive medical information, financial information, or urgent medical needs in general website email communications unless specifically instructed to do so through an approved secure process.
13. Children’s Privacy
Our website is intended for a general audience and is not directed to children under the age of 13.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through the website without appropriate parent or guardian involvement.
If you believe a child under 13 has provided personal information to us through the website without appropriate consent, please contact us using the information listed below.
14. Data Security
The Respire Institute uses reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information collected through the website.
However, no website, internet transmission, email communication, digital platform, or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
You use the website and submit information through the website at your own risk.
15. External Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, resources, articles, platforms, social media pages, maps, videos, or other external content.
These links are provided for convenience or informational purposes only. The Respire Institute does not control and is not responsible for the content, privacy practices, security practices, or accessibility of third-party websites or platforms.
Accessing third-party links is at your own discretion and risk.
16. Website Content and Intellectual Property
Unless otherwise stated, the content on this website, including text, graphics, images, logos, design elements, videos, downloads, and other materials, is owned by or licensed to The Respire Institute.
You may not copy, reproduce, republish, distribute, modify, display, transmit, or use website content for commercial purposes without prior written permission from The Respire Institute, except as permitted by applicable law.
You may view, download, or print website materials for your personal, non-commercial informational use, provided that you do not modify the content and do not remove any copyright, trademark, or proprietary notices.
17. Physician, Provider, and Service Information
The website may include information about physicians, advanced practice providers, clinical services, procedures, programs, research opportunities, and care teams.
Provider profiles, service descriptions, videos, articles, and educational materials are provided for informational purposes only and may change over time.
The availability of a provider, service, procedure, research opportunity, or appointment is not guaranteed by the information displayed on the website.
18. Research Information
The website may include information about clinical research opportunities, studies, or trials.
Submitting interest in a research study does not guarantee eligibility, enrollment, participation, compensation, treatment, or medical benefit.
Research eligibility is determined through a separate review and screening process.
Research-related information provided on the website is for general informational purposes and does not replace discussions with a qualified research team member, physician, or other healthcare professional.
19. Accessibility
The Respire Institute is committed to providing a website experience that is accessible and usable for all visitors.
We are working to improve website accessibility and usability and may provide a separate Accessibility Statement with information about our accessibility efforts and how to report a barrier.
If you experience difficulty accessing content on our website, please contact us using the information listed below.
20. Disclaimer of Warranties
The website and its content are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.
The Respire Institute makes reasonable efforts to provide accurate and current information, but we do not guarantee that the website or its content will always be complete, accurate, current, secure, uninterrupted, or error-free.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Respire Institute disclaims all warranties, express or implied, related to the website and its content, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, and non-infringement.
21. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Respire Institute, its physicians, providers, employees, contractors, representatives, affiliates, and service providers shall not be liable for any damages arising from or related to your access to, use of, or inability to use the website or any content, links, tools, or services made available through the website.
This includes, without limitation, direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or similar damages, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations of liability. In those cases, limitations will apply to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
22. User Responsibilities
By using this website, you agree that you will not:
• Use the website for unlawful, fraudulent, harmful, or abusive purposes
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the website, systems, accounts, or data
• Interfere with the security or functionality of the website
• Submit false, misleading, or inappropriate information
• Use website content in a way that violates copyright, trademark, privacy, or other rights
• Use the website to transmit malware, spam, or harmful code
23. Governing Law
This website is operated by The Respire Institute in Texas.
To the extent permitted by law, this Website Privacy Policy, Disclaimer & Terms of Use shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of law principles.
Any legal terms related to venue, dispute resolution, arbitration, class action waiver, or other formal dispute procedures should be reviewed and approved by legal counsel before publication.
24. Changes to This Policy
The Respire Institute may update this Website Privacy Policy, Disclaimer & Terms of Use from time to time.
When updates are made, we will revise the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page.
Your continued use of the website after changes are posted means that you accept the updated policy, to the extent permitted by applicable law.
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25. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Website Privacy Policy, Disclaimer & Terms of Use, our website privacy practices, cookie preferences, or accessibility, please contact us:
The Respire Institute
Attn: Privacy / Compliance / Communications Department
18300 Katy Fwy
Suite 615
Katy, Texas 77094
Phone: (713) 464-8099
Email: RespireCommunications@mpsds.com
Website: TheRespireInstitute.com
For questions about your rights related to protected health information, please refer to our separate HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
