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SMS Privacy Notice

SMS Privacy Notice

Last updated: April 2026

This SMS Privacy Notice describes how the Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence (PRICE) at the University of Florida collects, uses, and protects mobile phone numbers and related information when you receive text messages from our research studies. This notice supplements the UF Online/Internet Privacy Policy and the UF Health Privacy Policy.

1. Information we collect

When you enroll in a PRICE research study and consent to receive SMS reminders, we collect:

  • Your mobile phone number
  • Your opt-in consent (recorded as part of the study’s informed-consent process)
  • Reminder delivery and reply history associated with your study visits (e.g., confirmations, reschedule requests)

We do not collect location data, contacts, or any information from your device beyond what you voluntarily text us in reply.

2. How we use your information

We use your mobile phone number exclusively to:

  • Send appointment reminders for upcoming study visits
  • Receive and route your replies (e.g., confirmations, rescheduling requests) to the study’s research staff
  • Respond to HELP and STOP requests

We do not use your mobile information for advertising, marketing, fundraising, or any purpose unrelated to your participation in the research study.

3. How we share your information

Mobile information (including your phone number and SMS opt-in data) will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All the categories described above exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

We share your phone number only with:

  • Twilio, Inc., our SMS service provider, solely to deliver messages to and from you. Twilio is bound by its own privacy policy and contractual obligations with the University of Florida.
  • Your study team at the Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, for the limited purpose of scheduling and responding to your replies.
  • Other parties only when required by law, court order, or as authorized under the informed-consent document you signed.

4. Consent, opt-in, and opt-out

You provide consent to receive SMS messages as part of the written informed-consent document for your study. Participation in SMS reminders is voluntary and is not required to participate in the study.

You may withdraw consent at any time by:

  • Replying STOP to any SMS message you receive from us — this will immediately end further messages from this program
  • Replying HELP for assistance, or contacting the study team directly at price-ctsi@ufl.edu or (352) 273-7620

Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier plan.

5. Data retention

SMS delivery and reply records are retained only as long as required by the study’s IRB-approved data-management plan and applicable federal and state recordkeeping requirements. When retention is no longer required, records are securely destroyed.

6. Security

We use industry-standard safeguards, including encrypted transport (TLS) between our systems and Twilio, and role-based access controls within the University of Florida, to protect your information. No method of transmission over the Internet or mobile networks is 100% secure, but we work to ensure the protection of your information at all times.

7. Children

PRICE research studies enrolling participants under 18 obtain parental or guardian consent separately. SMS reminders are sent only to the phone number provided on the consent form.

8. Changes to this notice

We may update this notice as our study practices, technology, or applicable regulations change. Updates will be posted to this page with a revised “Last updated” date.

9. Contact us

If you have questions about this SMS Privacy Notice or your information:

Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence

University of Florida

2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32610

Phone: (352) 273-7620

Email: price-ctsi@ufl.edu

For questions about your rights as a research participant, contact the University of Florida Institutional Review Board at (352) 273-9600 or irb2@ufl.edu.