Hi all- We're having some issues with our privacy office regarding fundraisers having access to patient census information. The actual information we want them to have access to is allowed under HIPAA, but we're still getting resistance. How is this handled for other healthcare organizations? Thanks, Mitch Mitch Gibbs Director, IS Advocate Charitable Foundation

We have our IS team screen the patient info so that all we receive is name & address & no personal health info or identifying codes like SSN. We also ask for patients with no bad debt, guarantors only. That is acceptable under HIPPA standards, as Development never sees anything related to personal patient care. You also have to include a statement on your mailing indicating they can opt out if they prefer not to receive fundraising appeals, then maintain the listing to assure they are not getting them in the future.