Patient Privacy

NERI has a legal and ethical responsibility to safeguard the privacy of all patients and protect the confidentiality of their Protected Health Information (PHI). We respect and preserve the privacy and confidentiality of patient information.
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Under the Federal Privacy Rule, PHI that is created or collected during a research study cannot be used or disclosed (given to anyone) without your permission. You may not participate in a research study unless you authorize the use of your PHI for research purposes. By signing an authorization or consent form, you agree to allow the clinicians and research team to collect and use your health information to conduct the research study you are participating in. In general, our studies de-identify patient identify with the use of an identification number. Your PHI may be disclosed to the sponsor of the study and any agents, representatives or consultants working on behalf of the sponsor to conduct the study.
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By completing and signing a medical history form, your name and medical information will be placed in our internal database. Our database is accessible only to authorized employees and is checked periodically for patients who might meet specific study criteria. You may be called from time to time to see if you would be interested in participating in one of our studies. Participation is completely voluntary and you may request at any time to have your name removed.