CHAPTER 4. MEDICAL DATA REGARDING CAUSE OF DEATH - Indiana Statutes

IC 16-37-4
     Chapter 4. Medical Data Regarding Cause of Death

IC 16-37-4-1
Legislative declaration
     Sec. 1. Medical studies of conditions causing death and disability, especially stillbirth, infant mortality, and maternal mortality:
        (1) are an important means of protecting the health of the public;
        (2) provide information useful in the prevention and control of disease; and
        (3) are an excellent source of teaching material.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.20.

IC 16-37-4-2
Reports; exemption from liability
     Sec. 2. (a) A licensed physician, hospital, sanitarium, health facility, or similar organization or institution may provide information relating to the condition, treatment, and causes of death and other information concerning any person to the state health commissioner or to the commissioner's authorized representatives, including reports on forms prepared by the commissioner for the purpose of permitting the studies and research.
    (b) A person, an organization, an institution, or an agency furnishing information under subsection (a) to the state health commissioner or the commissioner's representative is not subject to an action for damages or other relief.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.20.

IC 16-37-4-3
Confidentiality; medical research or education use
     Sec. 3. (a) The state health commissioner or the commissioner's authorized representative shall do the following:
        (1) Keep the information and reports confidential.
        (2) Use the information and reports solely as follows:
            (A) For the purpose of medical or scientific research and medical education.
            (B) For the improvement of the quality of medical care through the conducting of medical audits.
            (C) To furnish the information to the following:
                (i) A medical school located in Indiana.
                (ii) An in-hospital medical staff committee.
                (iii) A study or research committee of a state association, an incorporation, or an organization whose membership is composed of licensed physicians.
    (b) Information or reports furnished by the state health commissioner may not disclose the name or identity of a patient whose records have been included in the information.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.20.
IC 16-37-4-4
Summary of studies
     Sec. 4. A summary of the studies may be released by the state health commissioner, the medical school, or the committee for general publication for the purpose of advancing medical research or medical education in the interest of reducing morbidity or mortality. The identity of a person whose condition or treatment has been studied is confidential and privileged and may not be revealed.
As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.20.