What must researchers do to obtain individually identifiable medical information?

To obtain individually identifiable medical information, researchers must secure patient authorization that complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This requirement is fundamental because HIPAA sets strict regulations on the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI) to ensure the privacy and rights of patients are respected.

The authorization process involves obtaining explicit consent from patients before their medical information can be accessed for research purposes. This consent must be informed, meaning patients should understand what information will be used, how it will be used, and the potential risks involved. This legal framework mandates that patients retain control over their personal health information, thereby promoting ethical research practices and protecting individual privacy rights.

While obtaining approval from a hospital or submitting a formal research proposal may be necessary steps in planning the research, they do not specifically address the legal requirement for accessing identifiable medical information. Similarly, requesting information from insurers does not guarantee the acquisition of patient consent or compliance with HIPAA regulations. Thus, acquiring authorization that meets HIPAA standards is the crucial step for researchers seeking identifiable medical data.