La. Admin. Code tit. 37, § XIII-4511 - Requirements for Release of Genetic Test and Related Medical Information

A. A general authorization for the release of medical records or medical information shall not be construed as an authorization for disclosure of genetic information. No insurer shall seek to obtain genetic information from an insured or applicant or from a DNA sample, without first obtaining written informed consent from the individual or authorized representative. To be valid, an authorization to disclose the results of a genetic test shall:

1. be in writing, signed by the individual and dated on the date of such signature;

2. identify the person permitted to make the disclosure;

3. describe the specific genetic information to be disclosed;

4. identify the person to whom the information is to be disclosed;

5. describe with specificity the purpose for which the disclosure is being made;

6. state the date upon which the authorization will expire, which in no event shall be more than 60 days after the date of the authorization;

7. include a statement that the authorization is subject to revocation at any time before the disclosure is actually made or the individual is made aware of the details of the genetic information;

8. include a statement that the authorization shall be invalid if used for any purpose other than the described purpose for which the disclosure is made.

B. A copy of the authorization shall be provided to the individual. An individual may revoke or amend the authorization in whole or in part, at any time. In complying with the provisions of this Section, the record holder is responsible for assuring only authorized information is released to insurers with respect to medical records that contain genetic information. The requirements of this Section shall not act to impede or otherwise impinge upon the ability of the patient's attending physician to provide appropriate and medically necessary treatment or diagnosis of a medical condition. Nothing in this Section shall exempt a covered entity from the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 pertaining to the collection, use, or disclosure of genetic information, which for purposes of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, is defined as "health information" under 42 U.S.C. § 1320d(4)(b) and 42 U.S.C. § 1320d-9.

Notes

La. Admin. Code tit. 37, § XIII-4511

Promulgated by the Department of Insurance, Commissioner of Insurance, LR 24:1121 (June 1998), Amended LR 46361 (3/1/2020).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 22:11, 22:971, 22:258, 22:242(7), 22:1964(22) and (23), 22:1022, and 22:1023 of the Insurance Code.