Consent Model. In an effort to avert any potential concerns regarding personal privacy, and to avoid any possible conflict with legal privacy requirements mandated by HIPAA and the State of Alaska (i.e., Senate Bill 133, now AS 18.23.310), Alaska HIE has adopted a default “opt-out” state for all consumer participants. Opt-in and opt-out are defined as: Opt-in: The consumer must elect to share health care information securely across the HIE, subject to appropriate auditing and monitoring capabilities. Opt-out: A consumer’s health care information is automatically shared across the HIE unless the consumer explicitly requests to be removed from the data sharing system. This means that each consumer will have to personally and intentionally change their sharing option in order for their health data to be removed from the health information exchange. Accordingly, AeHN will implement an aggressive, positive communication and marketing program to encourage Alaska residents to remain in the system. It will also work assertively and cooperatively with clinicians and communities across the state to identify and implement any changes necessary to allow a default condition of opt-out for Alaska residents. It will be crucial to ensure that consumers understand the detriments of opting out, and that proper policies and procedures are in place to ensure that consumers’ choices are recognized and respected. The Consumer Advisory Workgroup will play a key role in enacting these policies and procedures and protecting the rights of Alaskans.
