As a doctor utilizing the ICERx.org system to aid evacuees, there are a few considerations to take into account:
- The medication information should only be used to supplement your assessment of a patient’s medication history. It is provided as a reference, not as an authoritative list.
- The data may have errors of duplication or omission, as it has been collected from multiple sources and may not be current or comprehensive.
- The medication information does not include information relating to selected sensitive healthcare conditions, including the classes of medications approved or commonly used to treat mental illness, chemical dependencies, or HIV/AIDS.
- ICERx.org does not contain information on all evacuees. The coalition supporting ICERx.org is working to identify and link information from additional sources.
- ICERx.org provides “Read Only” access; information in the system can not be modified or otherwise changed by the treating health professional.
- Use of ICERx.org is rigorously monitored and tracked. Periodic audits of the system will be conducted to identify and address any unusual use. In addition, a complete record of system users and the names of evacuees whose information was accessed will be kept.
- During Hurricane Katrina, the US Department of Health and Human Services issued a bulletin regarding the application of HIPAA in emergency situations. To view the bulletin and attachments, click here.
