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Can I collect health information from participants in Maine? What are the requirements?
Requirements for Collecting Health Information in Maine
To collect health information from participants in Maine, you must comply with the regulations set forth in the Maine Health Data Organization (MHDO) and the Confidentiality of Health Care Information laws.
According to 22 MERS Section 8711, the MHDO has the authority to require providers and payors to furnish information with respect to the nature and quantity of services or coverage provided to the extent necessary to develop proposals for the modification, refinement, or expansion of the systems of information disclosure established under this chapter.
Additionally, Ch. 90-590 MECM Ch. 125 defines health care information that directly identifies an individual and outlines the data elements determined to be direct identifiers of individuals.
To ensure compliance with these laws, you must obtain written consent from participants before collecting their health information. You must also take appropriate measures to protect the confidentiality and security of the information collected.
Maine Health Data Organization
The Maine Health Data Organization (MHDO) is an independent executive agency established to create and maintain a useful, objective, reliable, and comprehensive health information database that is used to improve the health of Maine citizens and to issue reports, as provided in this chapter. This database must be publicly accessible while protecting patient confidentiality and respecting providers of care. The organization shall collect, process, analyze, and report clinical, financial, quality, and restructuring data as defined in this chapter [1.2].
Conclusion
To collect health information from participants in Maine, you must comply with the regulations set forth in the MHDO and the Confidentiality of Health Care Information laws. This includes obtaining written consent from participants and taking appropriate measures to protect the confidentiality and security of the information collected. The Maine Health Data Organization is an independent executive agency established to create and maintain a useful, objective, reliable, and comprehensive health information database that is used to improve the health of Maine citizens and to issue reports, as provided in this chapter [1.2][3.1].
Source(s):
- [1.2] Maine Health Data Organization established
- [3.1] Health Care Information that Directly Identifies an Individual Ch.
Jurisdiction
Maine