Alexian Brothers Provincial Archives Policy on Access and Use
The Congregation of Alexian Brothers, Immaculate Conception Province, has ultimate authority over the holdings of the Provincial Archives.
Restrictions
Open: Access is allowed at the discretion of the Archivist.
Limited: Access is granted by written permission of the Provincial.
Restricted: No access
Guidelines for Access to Records Containing Protected Health Information
Since April 2003, access to records containing protected health information (PHI) held by Alexian Brothers Provincial Archives is regulated by the Privacy Rule of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The Privacy Rule [45 CFR Parts 160 & 164] establishes the conditions under which records containing PHI may be used or disclosed for research purposes [45 CFR § 164.512 (i)].
All researchers seeking to use records that may be presumed to contain PHI must follow certain procedures to gain access to these materials.
Protected health information (PHI) is individually identifiable health information created or transmitted in any form by a covered entity. A covered entity is a health care provider, health care plan, or health care clearinghouse which transmits health information. Any records which Archives staff identifies as containing PHI are subject to the provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
