Privacy Notice

This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully. This notice is effective as of 04/01/03.

LifeShare Blood Centers is required by law to maintain the privacy of protected health information and to provide individuals with notice of its legal duties and privacy policies with respect to this information. LifeShare is committed to abiding by these policies and applying these policies to information collected prior to this policy. LifeShare reserves the right to change the terms of this notice and apply such changes to all protected health information it maintains. If revised, you will receive the latest revision at your next donation.

Our Information Practices
Our policies and procedures are intended to protect the privacy of current and former blood donors and patients. The information we collect is considered confidential and is strictly controlled.

Types of Information We Collect
In the normal course of business, we collect the following types of information:

  • Information obtained from whole blood and apheresis donors includes name, address, social security number, date of birth, answers to general health history questions, answers to “high risk” questions, results of physical evaluation, blood type and blood test results.
  • Information obtained on autologous donors and therapeutic patients will also include type of surgical procedure(s), date of surgery, diagnosis, medications being taken and physician’s orders.
  • Information obtained from hospitals by our Laboratory may also include more detailed medical information needed to properly identify compatibility of blood and blood products for transfusion.

Safeguarding Your Information
We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized release. Access to donor and patient information is limited to people who need the information for healthcare operations.

How We Use Your Information
Your information may be used in the following ways:

  • Scheduling your next donation;
  • Provided to your Blood Drive chairperson;
  • Requesting special donations to meet specific patient needs;
    Monitoring donor eligibility;
  • Notification of test results that may result in a temporary or permanent deferral;
  • Contacting you about fundraising activities of LifeShare; or
  • Notification of special promotions or recognition events held at your local blood center location.

We may disclose certain information without your written authorization when required by law or to comply with a legitimate inquiry by a governmental agency. Notification of state or federal agencies in the event of test results indicating certain diseases, such as HIV, is required by law. We will request your authorization for any other disclosures.

Your Rights
You have the following rights as they relate to our collection or use of your protected health information:

  • The right to inspect and copy this information;
  • The right to amend this information, if incorrect;
  • The right to request certain restrictions on uses and disclosure of this information; however, LifeShare is not required to agree;
  • The right to receive confidential communications from LifeShare concerning this information by alternative means or locations;
  • The right to receive an accounting from LifeShare of the disclosures of this information; and
  • The right to obtain a paper copy of any notice, even if the notice was sent electronically.

Information about you will not be released to a third party for marketing purposes not related to LifeShare Blood Centers’ activities.

Your Choices
If you do not wish your information to be used for non-medical reasons, such as notification or scheduling of your next donation, you may request that you not be contacted for these purposes.

You may obtain a form to revise or revoke your prior election concerning the release of your information.

If you have already informed us of this choice, you do not need to do so again.

Complaints
Complaints or requests for further information may be made to the Privacy Officer at (318) 222-7770 or by writing to LifeShare’s Corporate Offices, 8910 Linwood Ave., Shreveport, LA 71106.

Complaints may also be made to the Secretary, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. You may make such complaints without fear of retaliation.

   LifeShare Donor Centers