Privacy Policy

Hays Research Group LLC — Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 25, 2026

Hays Research Group LLC ("HRG," "we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains the information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. It applies to:

  • haysresearch.com and any related HRG websites

  • Alaska Panel mobile application and admin panel (alaskapanel.com, app.alaskapanel.com, admin.alaskapanel.com)

  • HRG's market research services, including focus groups, surveys, data collection, and data analysis

  • SMS/text-message communications with phone numbers operated by HRG

By using our services or websites, you agree to the practices described in this Policy.

Who We Are and What We Do

HRG is an Alaska-based market research firm. We design and conduct focus groups, surveys, panels, and other research studies on behalf of clients in industries including (but not limited to) healthcare, consumer goods, public sector, and professional services. Some of our work involves health-related data and may be subject to additional legal protections, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA"). See "Health Information" below.

Information We Collect

From research participants. When you participate in HRG research (focus groups, surveys, interviews, panels, or studies through Alaska Panel), we may collect:

  • Contact information (name, email, phone, mailing address)

  • Demographic information (age, gender, household, income, education, occupation, geography)

  • Survey responses, focus-group statements, and other study contributions

  • Audio, video, or written transcripts of focus groups and interviews

  • Tax-reporting information required to compensate participants (W-9, including SSN or EIN, address)

  • Payment delivery information (e.g., email address used for digital gift card or payment delivery via Tremendous or similar service)

  • Account credentials when you register for Alaska Panel (handled through Firebase Authentication)

Health-related information. Some studies involve health-related questions. Depending on the study, this may include health conditions, treatments, medications, providers, insurance, or related topics. Health information is handled with additional safeguards described under "Health Information" below.

From clients and prospective clients. When you contact HRG or engage HRG for services, we collect business contact information, the contents of communications, and project-related data you share with us.

From website visitors. When you visit haysresearch.com or any Alaska Panel web property, we may collect standard analytics data (IP address, browser, device, pages visited, referring URL).

From SMS communications. If you exchange SMS messages with a phone number operated by HRG, we collect the message content, your phone number, and delivery metadata.

How We Use Information

We use information to:

  • Recruit, screen, and compensate research participants

  • Conduct focus groups, surveys, interviews, and panel studies

  • Deliver research findings and deliverables to clients

  • Verify participant identity and prevent fraud (including duplicate enrollment in panels)

  • Issue tax-reporting forms (1099-MISC, 1099-NEC) where required by law

  • Operate, secure, and improve our websites and Alaska Panel App

  • Respond to inquiries and conduct ordinary business communications

  • Send and receive SMS communications with consenting parties

  • Comply with legal, tax, regulatory, and contractual obligations

Research data is typically de-identified or aggregated before delivery to clients. Direct identifiers are separated from research responses unless a study specifically requires identified data and the participant has consented.

Health Information

HRG handles health information under one of two frameworks, depending on the study:

As a Business Associate. When HRG conducts research on behalf of a HIPAA-covered entity (such as a hospital, health plan, or healthcare provider), HRG operates as a "Business Associate" under HIPAA. In those engagements, we sign a Business Associate Agreement ("BAA") with the covered entity and handle Protected Health Information ("PHI") in accordance with HIPAA's Privacy and Security Rules and the terms of the BAA. PHI is used and disclosed only as permitted by the BAA and applicable law.

As a direct collector. When HRG collects health-related information directly from research participants for clients who are not HIPAA-covered entities (such as pharmaceutical marketers, consumer health brands, or non-clinical researchers), HIPAA may not technically apply. In those cases, HRG nonetheless treats health information as sensitive: we collect only what the study requires, use it only for the stated research purpose, store it with administrative and technical safeguards, and limit access to authorized personnel.

In either case, we will tell you (in study-specific consent materials) what health information is being collected and how it will be used before you participate.

How We Share Information

We do not sell personal information.

We share information with:

  • Clients, in the form of research findings, deliverables, and (where the study design and consent permit) raw data. Identifying information is removed unless the study specifically requires it and participants have consented.

  • Service providers that support our operations under appropriate confidentiality and (where applicable) BAA terms — including survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey), payment/incentive platforms (e.g., Tremendous), authentication providers (e.g., Firebase), SMS providers (e.g., Twilio), cloud hosting providers (e.g., DigitalOcean, Vercel), email providers, and accounting software.

  • Tax authorities, where compensation paid to participants meets reporting thresholds.

  • Legal authorities, when required by law, subpoena, or court order.

  • Successors, in the event of a business transfer, merger, or acquisition.

We do not share SMS opt-in data, phone numbers, or message contents with third parties for marketing purposes.

SMS Communications

If you exchange SMS messages with HRG, the following apply:

  • Consent. SMS communications occur only with parties who have affirmatively consented (verbally, in writing, or by self-provisioning a system as the account owner).

  • Opt-out. Reply STOP to any message to opt out. Reply START to opt back in.

  • Help. Reply HELP at any time for contact information.

  • Carrier charges. Standard message and data rates from your wireless carrier may apply.

  • Frequency. Message frequency varies based on the nature of the conversation.

  • No mobile information sharing. Mobile phone numbers and SMS opt-in data are not shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, comply with legal and tax obligations (including 1099 reporting and audit requirements), resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Research data may be retained in identified or de-identified form per client contract requirements. Retention periods for PHI under a BAA are governed by the applicable BAA and HIPAA's requirements.

Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information, including access controls, encryption in transit, and contractual safeguards with service providers. For PHI, additional safeguards are implemented in accordance with HIPAA's Security Rule. No method of transmission or storage is perfectly secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Choices

You may:

  • Decline to participate in any research study

  • Withdraw from a study before data is finalized (subject to study-specific terms)

  • Request a copy of personal information we hold about you

  • Request correction or deletion of personal information, subject to legal, tax, and contractual recordkeeping obligations

  • Opt out of SMS communications by replying STOP

  • Contact us with privacy-related questions at the address below

For health information held under a BAA, additional rights may apply under HIPAA. Contact the covered entity that engaged HRG, or contact us using the information below and we will direct your request appropriately.

California Residents

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") and California Privacy Rights Act ("CPRA"), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to request deletion, the right to correct inaccurate information, and the right to opt out of "sales" or "sharing" of personal information. HRG does not sell personal information and does not share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising. To exercise your rights, contact us using the information below. We will not discriminate against you for exercising these rights.

Children's Privacy

Alaska Panel and HRG research services are not directed to individuals under 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 in connection with our market research services. Specific studies may include minors only with verifiable parental consent and only when the study design and applicable law permit.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date.

Contact

For privacy-related questions or requests, contact:

Hays Research Group LLC Email: info@haysresearch.com Anchorage, Alaska