Policies and Agreements

This document provides important information about the personalized support services offered by Fertility Support Now. It outlines our terms of service, client agreement, privacy practices (including international and online considerations), informed consent, and legal disclaimers. These policies are designed to promote a respectful, clear, and mutually understood working relationship.

By booking a session or participating in any group or program, you acknowledge and agree to abide by the following policies and agreements. Please read them carefully and reach out with any questions.

Terms and Conditions including payment and scheduling and cancellations

1. Nature of Services

You will receive professional, personalized peer support through guidance, education, resources, and tools focused on fertility, infertility, pregnancy loss, intimacy, relationships, and sexual health. Services may include, but are not limited to:

One-on-one sessions
Couples support
Online or in-person support groups
Curriculum, videos, training, or workshops (delivered in person or online)

1.1. Important Notice:
While I am professionally trained as a Master of Social Work (MSW), I am not acting as a licensed medical provider or licensed mental health counselor in the context of these coaching and support services. These services are non-clinical, educational, and supportive in nature, and do not constitute medical, psychological, or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment (see Florida Statutes §§491.003, 491.0147). If you require medical or therapeutic intervention, I will provide referrals to appropriate licensed professionals.

1.2. Mandated Reporting:
In accordance with Florida law (§39.201, Florida Statutes), I am a mandated reporter and may be legally required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or imminent harm to yourself or others to the appropriate authorities.

1.3. Privacy Practices:
While your privacy is deeply respected, please note that these services are not governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as they do not involve clinical therapy or medical care. Nevertheless, I will maintain your confidentiality to the fullest extent permitted by law, as detailed in the Privacy Policy.
If you are accessing these services from outside the United States (e.g., the EU or UK), your data will be processed in accordance with applicable international data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Please see the full disclaimer and privacy notice below for more information.

2. Disclaimer

Mariah Tuffy, MSW, Founder of Fertility Support Now, offers personalized professional peer support, coaching, education, and resources to individuals navigating fertility and sexual health challenges. While I hold a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and bring over 20 years of professional experience, I am not acting as a licensed medical doctor, psychologist, or licensed mental health therapist for purposes of these coaching services.

By participating in one-on-one, couples, group sessions, or trainings, you expressly acknowledge and agree that:

These services are non-clinical, educational, and supportive in nature.
They do not constitute medical, psychological, or legal advice, nor do they include diagnosis, treatment, or clinical therapy as defined by Florida Statutes §§491.003 and 491.0147.
Participation in these sessions is voluntary, and you remain solely responsible for your own health, decisions, and well-being.
If at any time your needs require the expertise of a licensed medical, psychological, or legal professional, I will be happy to provide referrals to qualified providers.

2.1. Waiver of Liability:
Fertility Support Now and its representatives are not liable for any outcomes or decisions you make as a result of participating in these peer support or coaching services. You should always seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical, psychological, or legal concerns.

3. Language Accessibility

Fertility Support Now is committed to clear, compassionate, and accessible communication. Services are offered in English, with additional support available in Spanish and Portuguese. While I am fluent in Spanish and proficient in Portuguese, these are not my first languages, and there may be instances where further clarification or explanation is required.

3.1. Client Responsibility for Understanding:
In accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics (§1.03, Informed Consent) and general Florida principles of informed consent, you are encouraged to ask for clarification at any time if anything is unclear or requires explanation. This ensures that you are able to make informed and voluntary decisions regarding your participation in coaching services (see Florida Statutes §456.056, §766.103).

3.1.2 International Clients:
For clients in the EU/UK, Fertility Support Now endeavors to meet data privacy and informed consent requirements under the GDPR (Article 7), including providing information in a clear and accessible manner.

3.1.3. Limitation of Liability:
While every reasonable effort will be made to facilitate understanding and clear communication, Fertility Support Now cannot be held liable for misunderstandings due to language differences, provided reasonable opportunities for clarification are offered and good faith efforts are made to ensure mutual understanding.

Thank you for your patience and willingness to maintain open communication, so that our sessions remain clear, supportive, and grounded in mutual respect.

4. Informed Consent

By participating in the services offered by Fertility Support Now, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

4.1. Scope and Limitations:
You understand that these services are limited to non-clinical, personalized peer support, education, and coaching focused on fertility, intimacy, relationships, and sexual health. These services do not constitute clinical therapy, medical care, or mental health treatment as defined under Florida law (see Florida Statutes §491.003, §491.0147).

4.2. No Guarantees:
You understand and accept that there is no guarantee or expectation that participation in these services will result in pregnancy or any other specific outcome. The support offered is designed to empower and educate, but outcomes depend on numerous factors beyond the scope of coaching.

4.3. Voluntary Participation:
Sessions may explore emotionally sensitive experiences, including fertility and pregnancy loss. In accordance with NASW Code of Ethics §1.03 (Informed Consent) and general principles of Florida informed consent (§456.056), clients are encouraged to move at their own pace and may pause or redirect the conversation at any time to safeguard their emotional well-being.

4.4. Client Autonomy:
You are solely responsible for your own decisions, well-being, and participation. Your involvement in these services is entirely voluntary, and you retain full control over your engagement.

4.5. Referral to Licensed Professionals:
If at any time your needs require clinical, medical, or mental health care, you will be referred to trusted, appropriately licensed professionals.

Please ask any questions or seek clarification before or during participation. Your informed, voluntary consent is fundamental to our work together.

5. Group Sessions

Fertility Support Now offers open-group sessions, allowing participants to join any session without a long-term commitment. Participants may withdraw at any time. Payment, when applicable, must be received before the session begins.

Group sessions are designed as shared spaces built on empathy, trust, confidentiality, and mutual respect. By participating in these group sessions, you expressly agree to the following terms:

5.1. Confidentiality & Mandatory Reporting:

All information shared during group sessions must remain confidential. Participants agree not to disclose any information or personal stories shared by others outside of the group.
Exception: In accordance with Florida Statutes §39.201 (Mandatory Reporting) and §491.0147 (Confidentiality Obligations), confidentiality cannot be maintained if any participant discloses or is suspected of causing imminent harm to themselves or others, or in situations involving child abuse or neglect. Such disclosures will be promptly reported to the appropriate authorities.

5.2. Group Participation Guidelines:
By participating, you agree to:

Speak solely from your own personal experiences, using "I" statements rather than generalizing the experiences of others.
Practice active, compassionate listening, refraining from cross-talk or interruptions while another participant is sharing.
Respect personal boundaries by seeking explicit consent before offering advice or suggestions outside the structured sharing time.
Share at your comfort level. Participation is voluntary, and you are free to decline or delay sharing until you feel comfortable.
Validate and respect the emotional experiences of others, including expressions of sadness, anger, joy, silence, or grief.
Avoid comparisons. Each participant’s fertility or personal journey is unique, and comparative comments can compromise emotional safety.
Be considerate of the group’s time, speaking concisely to allow others equal opportunities to share. Timers will be used to assist with this.
Foster a supportive, respectful, and non-discriminatory space, compliant with state and federal anti-discrimination laws, including the Florida Civil Rights Act (§760.01-§760.11) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (1964). All individuals—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religion, age, socioeconomic status, or family structure—are welcome and respected.
Prioritize your own emotional and physical well-being during sessions. Discussions may involve sensitive or triggering topics, such as fertility struggles, pregnancy loss, medical procedures, adoption, sexuality, trauma, or grief.
In-Person: If overwhelmed, you are free to step out and take personal time as needed. If you leave the premises, please inform the facilitator so they can ensure your safety.
Virtual: You may turn off your camera or briefly leave the session if needed. Please notify the facilitator via private chat if you must exit early.

Emergencies: In case of any immediate medical or life-threatening emergency, call 911 without delay.

Facilitator’s Right to Ensure Safety:
The facilitator reserves the explicit right to remove or suspend the participation of any individual whose behavior is deemed disruptive, disrespectful, discriminatory, or poses any emotional or physical threat to other participants or the overall group safety.

6. Support for Minors

Fertility Support Now may offer services to minors (individuals under age 18) only under the following terms, in compliance with relevant Florida law:

6.1. Parental Consent:
In accordance with Florida law (Florida Statutes §743.0645), explicit written consent from a parent or legal guardian is required before any minor participates in individual or group sessions. The parent or guardian providing consent will be regarded as the official and legal client for all service agreements, payments, and legal acknowledgments.

6.2. Mandatory Reporting and Confidentiality:
The minor’s privacy will be respected to the fullest extent permitted under Florida law. However, consistent with Florida Statutes §39.201 (Mandatory Reporting) and §491.0147 (Confidentiality obligations), any disclosures or suspicions of abuse, neglect, harm, or immediate risk involving the minor will be promptly reported to their guardian and/or appropriate authorities, as legally required.

6.3. Facilitator’s Discretion in Institutional Settings:
For group sessions or educational programs provided through schools or other institutional partners, the requirement for consent forms and contact information will be determined at the facilitator’s discretion, subject to the specific agreements with the partnering institution and in accordance with institutional policies and applicable laws.

6.4. Age-Appropriateness:
All content provided to minors will be carefully structured and tailored to be age-appropriate, taking into consideration the emotional and developmental stages of participants, thereby ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

7. Confidentiality & Privacy Policy

Fertility Support Now is deeply committed to safeguarding your personal information and maintaining the highest standard of confidentiality and ethical practice. Although these services are non-clinical and not governed by HIPAA, we voluntarily align our privacy practices with HIPAA principles to foster client trust and protect sensitive information.

7.1. Confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting

Information disclosed during individual or group sessions is treated as confidential to the fullest extent permitted by law. However, in accordance with Florida Statutes §39.201, Mariah Tuffy is a mandated reporter and must report any suspected abuse, neglect, or imminent risk of serious harm to yourself or others. These exceptions to confidentiality are non-negotiable and are implemented to protect client safety. Outside of these legal obligations, your privacy will be respected.

7.2. HIPAA Alignment

Fertility Support Now does not provide clinical therapy or medical treatment and therefore is not classified as a HIPAA-covered entity under 45 CFR §160.103. However, recognizing the sensitive nature of the topics discussed, we voluntarily follow confidentiality and data handling practices consistent with HIPAA principles. No information is shared with third parties without your consent, unless required by law. Clients are encouraged to share only what they feel comfortable disclosing.

7.3. Telehealth and Digital Communications (Security Risks & Benefits)

In accordance with Florida Statutes §456.47 and the NASW Code of Ethics §1.07, clients are advised that while sessions are conducted using secure video platforms, no digital communication method is completely risk-free. Risks include technical errors, unauthorized access, and unintentional disclosures. Reasonable precautions are taken to minimize these risks, including the use of secure platforms and encrypted communication channels.

7.4. Client Responsibility for Digital Privacy

Clients are encouraged to access sessions from a private, secure space and to use protected devices and internet connections. If you prefer to use an alternative platform for virtual sessions, please communicate this in advance. Reasonable accommodations will be made whenever possible to support your comfort and safety.

7.5. International Clients

Fertility Support Now welcomes clients from diverse regions, including Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa. While the business is operated from Florida, USA, and governed by U.S. and Florida law, we make reasonable efforts to respect international data privacy expectations. Where appropriate, practices will be aligned with global standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR – Regulation (EU) 2016/679). Clients outside the U.S. are advised to consider any local privacy regulations applicable in their jurisdiction.

7.6. Intellectual Property

All original educational content, resources, curricula, videos, handouts, and materials created by Mariah Tuffy for Fertility Support Now are protected under U.S. copyright law (17 U.S.C. §106). Mariah Tuffy retains all intellectual property rights in this content.

7.7. Permitted Use by Clients

Clients are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use provided materials solely for their personal, non-commercial purposes in connection with sessions or programs attended. Use of materials beyond this scope is not permitted without prior written consent.

7.8. Prohibited Uses

Clients are expressly prohibited from copying, modifying, reproducing, sharing, publishing, selling, distributing, or otherwise exploiting any materials provided by Fertility Support Now, unless written authorization is granted in advance. Unauthorized use may constitute copyright infringement and may result in legal enforcement action.

If you have any questions or require clarification about any aspect of this policy, please contact Mariah Tuffy at Mariah@FertilitySupportNow.com.

8. Equity and Inclusion Statement

Fertility Support Now is firmly committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, respectful, and affirming environment for all clients and participants. In accordance with federal and state laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e et seq.), the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.), and the Florida Civil Rights Act (Florida Statutes §§760.01–760.11), discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, socioeconomic status, pregnancy, marital status, family identity, or any other protected characteristic is strictly prohibited.

8.1. Expectations of Participants:
All participants in one-on-one sessions, group settings, trainings, and any related communication are expected to engage respectfully, empathetically, and inclusively. Behavior that undermines these values—including harassment, discrimination, disrespectful or disruptive conduct—will not be tolerated.

8.2. Facilitator’s Right to Maintain Safe Space:
To uphold these legal and ethical commitments, Fertility Support Now reserves the explicit right to pause, limit, or terminate services at any time if a participant's conduct compromises the emotional or physical safety, dignity, or inclusion of other participants. This discretion ensures compliance with legal obligations and maintains an affirming, safe space for all individuals involved.

Please direct any questions regarding these commitments or your rights under applicable laws to Mariah Tuffy.

9. Terms & Conditions

By engaging Fertility Support Now for services, you explicitly agree to the following terms and conditions, which clearly outline scheduling, payment, and communication expectations in accordance with applicable Florida law and general contract principles.

9.1. Scheduling & Cancellation Policy:
Clients must provide at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling of appointments. Missed appointments or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled time may incur a cancellation fee at Mariah Tuffy’s discretion. This policy aligns with standard contractual enforceability principles under Florida common law.

9.2. Communication Boundaries:
Communication via phone, text, or email is intended solely for scheduling or logistical purposes and should not be used for emotional support, advice, or coaching outside of scheduled sessions. Fertility Support Now assumes no responsibility for providing emotional or therapeutic support through unscheduled or informal communication methods. For scheduling questions or logistics, please contact Mariah Tuffy at 303-875-8066 or Mariah@FertilitySupportNow.com.

9.3. Payment Terms:
Payment for services is due in full at the time of booking, unless explicitly agreed otherwise in advance. Payments may be made via PayPal, Venmo, credit card, cash, or check payable to Fertility Support Now.
Current service fees (subject to updates with advance notice) are as follows:

One-on-One Sessions: $100
Couples Sessions: $120
Online Groups: Donation-based
In-Person Groups: $25
Sex Education Sessions: Pricing varies (clearly disclosed prior to booking)

In compliance with Florida consumer protection standards (Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Florida Statutes §§501.201–501.213), Fertility Support Now reserves the explicit right to modify these fees at its discretion. Clients will receive clear notification of any fee changes prior to scheduling their next service.

9.4. Pro Bono & Discounted Services:
Mariah Tuffy may, at her sole discretion, offer services pro bono or at discounted rates. Such arrangements will be clearly communicated to the client and confirmed in writing.

9.5. Non-Discrimination and Behavior Policy:
Fertility Support Now maintains a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. Discrimination, harassment, disruptive behavior, or disrespectful conduct of any kind will not be tolerated. Such behaviors constitute grounds for immediate termination or refusal of services, consistent with the Florida Civil Rights Act (§§760.01–760.11).

10. Client’s Rights

Fertility Support Now is committed to respecting and safeguarding the autonomy, comfort, and rights of every client. In alignment with Florida law (Florida Statutes §456.056 on informed consent) and professional ethical guidelines (NASW Code of Ethics §1.02 on client self-determination), the following rights are explicitly affirmed:

10.1. Right to Withdraw:
Clients have the unequivocal right to discontinue their participation in any individual session, group session, or service at any time, for any reason, without penalty or repercussion.

10.2. Right to Refuse:
Clients have the absolute right to refuse participation in any suggested activity, discussion, or service component with which they feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or uncertain.

10.3. Right to Ask Questions:
Clients have the ongoing right to ask questions or seek clarification regarding the scope of services, terms of agreements, processes, or their rights at any time. Open and clear communication is encouraged and facilitated.

11. Modifications

Fertility Support Now expressly reserves the right to update, amend, or modify these terms and policies at any time to comply with relevant laws or to reflect changes in services offered.

In compliance with Florida consumer protection standards (Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Florida Statutes §§501.201–501.213) and general Florida contract principles, clients will be notified clearly and explicitly of any material changes to these terms. Notifications of changes may occur via email, through direct communication, or prominently on the Fertility Support Now website.

11.1. Acceptance of Modifications:
Your continued participation or use of Fertility Support Now services after being notified of such changes will constitute your informed acceptance and agreement to these modified terms and conditions.

If you have any questions, concerns, or require clarification about updates or modifications to these terms, please promptly contact Mariah Tuffy at Mariah@FertilitySupportNow.com.

12. Acknowledgment & Consent:

By electronically checking the acknowledgment box provided, you explicitly confirm that:

You have thoroughly read, understood, and voluntarily agree to all terms, conditions, policies, and disclaimers outlined in this document.
Your electronic acknowledgment constitutes legally binding informed consent, consistent with Florida’s informed consent statute (Florida Statutes §456.056) and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN Act, 15 U.S.C. §§7001–7006).

Fertility Support Now encourages you to ask any questions or raise concerns about these terms, policies, or agreements prior to providing consent. Your clear understanding, empowerment, and comfort are essential and prioritized throughout our work together.

For questions or clarifications, please contact Mariah Tuffy directly at Mariah@FertilitySupportNow.com.

Terms & Conditions

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