CHAPTER 4. MEDICAL DATA REGARDING CAUSE OF DEATH
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.