Alabama Administrative Code
Title 420 - ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
Chapter 420-12-1 - HOSPITAL DISCHARGE DATA SYSTEM
Section 420-12-1-.07 - Data Availability

(1) The State Health Officer has the authority to delay the release of any particular data element(s) to the public if it is determined that the quality or completeness of the information received by the Department is not acceptable.

(2) The Department may release limited data sets and create reports for public release using any available processed and verified aggregate Discharge Data. For purposes of this rule, processed and verified aggregate Discharge Data is intended to mean de-identified, zip-code aggregated level data. The Department may also conduct studies and publish information based upon the Discharge Data received, provided the studies and published information do not include information in a form which could be used to identify any patient or violate HIPAA. All properly processed and verified Discharge Data and information released by the Department must satisfy the requirements for public disclosure under Code of Ala. 1975, § 22-21-410, et seq., this Chapter, and applicable federal law.

(3) A contractual agent of the Department or of AlaHA may receive any record necessary, together with any needed patient identifiers, to carry out its contractual duties. This includes any organization contracted with the Department or AlaHA to provide editing, quality control, database management services, or research for the Department or AlaHA. Any such contractual agent must agree in writing to establish and maintain appropriate controls to protect the confidentiality of the data or records received and must agree to return or destroy any such data or records at the termination of the contract.

(4) Discharge Data with de-identified, zip-code aggregated level data files will be made available for public release by the Department upon receipt of an application for such data and a signed data use agreement binding the requester to the terms of use and confidentiality provisions of Code of Ala. 1975, § 22-21-410, et seq. and this Chapter. The Department shall develop the application form and data use agreement with the assistance of the Council.

(5) The Department maintains a proprietary interest in all files it provides to the public, and such files are made available solely for use by the requester and may not be given or sold to another entity. No aggregated data files will be made available for public release until twelve (12) months following the close of the applicable calendar year.

(6) Any requests respecting the release of Discharge Data and zip-code aggregated level data files shall be addressed by the Council.