Dear Fraser Families,
We have received multiple questions from former and current clients about the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) announcement that they will be collecting private medical records of individuals with autism for a new autism study. The study also plans to link information from pharmacy medication records, tests from labs, genomics data, private insurance claims, and data from smartwatches and fitness trackers. Fraser is monitoring the stories surrounding this issue.
We want to assure you that Fraser requires your written authorization before any of your information can be shared with a third party. However, de-identified client data is sometimes shared with public health officials for research purposes. This information is stated on your Consent to Treatment form.
You can opt out of this use on your Consent to Treatment form, or by emailing healthinformationmanagement@fraser.org and indicating that you want to opt out of research.
Please know that we will always protect your private health information. As we learn more about how this study may impact our clients, we will share additional information with you.
Abigail Vavra
Fraser Public Policy & Compliance Counsel