Section 326-E:7 Rights of Consumers.
I. The public shall have access to:
(a) A list of licensees and conditional license holders that includes place of practice, license number, date of license or date of conditional license expiration, and status of license.
(b) A list of official actions taken by the board.
(c) A copy of public records of all hearings.
(d) A copy of minutes from all public meetings of the board.
II. A respiratory care practitioner shall inform each patient that the patient has the freedom of choice in services and products.
III. Any person may submit a complaint in writing to the board regarding any licensee, entity, or other person potentially in violation of this chapter or of RSA 328-F. Confidentiality shall be maintained subject to state and federal law.
IV. (a) Information relating to the respiratory care practitioner-patient relationship is confidential and shall not be related to a third party who is not involved with the patient's care without the prior written consent of the patient.
(b) Confidential communications between licensees and their patients are placed on the same legal basis as those between physician and patient, and, except as otherwise provided by law, no licensee shall be required to disclose such privileged communications. Confidential communications between a patient of a licensee and any person working under the supervision of such licensee to provide services that are customary and necessary for diagnosis and treatment are privileged to the same extent as would be the same communications between the supervising licensee and the patient.
(c) The privilege established in subparagraph (b) shall not apply to investigations and disciplinary proceedings conducted by any agency regulating health professions in this state.
Source. 2003, 310:2, eff. July 1, 2003.