After recent statements by individuals with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about the possible creation of a national autism registry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) want to provide the following information and reassurances for patients and families.
At VUMC respecting patient privacy is a core value of all employees. We handle patient records with the utmost care and within full compliance of all federal and state regulations.
FAQs
Will my or my child’s records be placed in a national autism registry?
While there may be stories circulating in the news media about the creation of a national autism registry, currently VUMC has not changed any of its policies regarding safeguarding the privacy and security of your personal health information.
Will VUMC continue to follow state and federal patient privacy requirements to protect the integrity of my medical records?
Yes. Our mission is to ensure full compliance with all state and federal patient privacy standards (HIPAA) and legal privacy protections. The specific details of our privacy practices are formally a part of your care and consent process.
Our privacy practices can be easily reviewed here: https://www.vumc.org/information-privacy-security/sites/default/files/public_files/NPP_Final_Dec2023.pdf).
If I am concerned about the security or integrity of my medical records, what can I do?
Families may contact our Privacy Office regarding more specific concerns at 615.936.3594 / vumcprivacyoffice@vumc.org . Or you can request medical record information onlinehttps://www.vanderbilthealth.com/information/medical-record-information, via the My Health at Vanderbilt patient portal, or by calling 615.322.2062.
Your concerns about medical records must formally be requested through these channels.
If I or my child has been involved in an autism research study and have questions what should I do?
Any patient or family member that is concerned about participation in a current or prior research project should contact the principal investigator of the project. This information is typically listed on the consent form signed as part of participation. If you do not know or the name of the principal investigator of your study or if you have broader concerns, please contact the VUMC Institutional Review Board ((615) 322-2918.
