HOSPITAL CONTRACTS
Every hospital in Oklahoma is required to maintain an active contract with LifeShare. For more information about your contract, speak to your LifeShare Hospital Liasion or call LifeShare at 405-840-5551.
HIPPA PRIVACY REGULATIONS EXEMPT DONATION AGENCIES
The latest regulations regarding privacy of medical records and other health information, known collectively as HIPAA, do not affect the release of such documents to tissue and organ donation agencies. On December 28, 2000, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) published in the Federal Register a final rule creating new federal privacy rights for personal health information. These “Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information” are intended to ensure patients that the privacy of their medical records is secure, and that the information is used appropriately.
The regulation specifically exempts tissue, eye and organ donation agencies because they are not considered “health care providers” within the meaning of the regulation. In the description of the rules provisions, DHHS notes that the proposed definition of “health care” was changed in the final regulation to:”... care, services or supplies related to the health of an individual.... Therefore, the procurement or banking of organ, blood (including autologous blood), sperm, eyes or any other tissue or human product is not considered to be health care under this rule and the organizations that perform such activities would not be considered health care providers when conducting these functions. As described in 164.512 (h), covered entities are permitted to disclose protected health information without individual authorization, consent, or agreement...as necessary to facilitate cadaveric donation.” (65 Federal Register 82477)
All information provided to the donation agencies is confidential. In addition, consent for release of medical information is included in the Consent for Organ and Tissue Donation, the informed consent document families sign when their loved one becomes a donor.
**In summary, LifeShare is treated as part of the health care team and information can be given freely as such**
The regulation specifically exempts tissue, eye and organ donation agencies because they are not considered “health care providers” within the meaning of the regulation. In the description of the rules provisions, DHHS notes that the proposed definition of “health care” was changed in the final regulation to:”... care, services or supplies related to the health of an individual.... Therefore, the procurement or banking of organ, blood (including autologous blood), sperm, eyes or any other tissue or human product is not considered to be health care under this rule and the organizations that perform such activities would not be considered health care providers when conducting these functions. As described in 164.512 (h), covered entities are permitted to disclose protected health information without individual authorization, consent, or agreement...as necessary to facilitate cadaveric donation.” (65 Federal Register 82477)
All information provided to the donation agencies is confidential. In addition, consent for release of medical information is included in the Consent for Organ and Tissue Donation, the informed consent document families sign when their loved one becomes a donor.
**In summary, LifeShare is treated as part of the health care team and information can be given freely as such**
