AI-assisted research summary: An independent board reviews requests for vital records information used in health-related research before any release.
I. There is hereby established an independent board administratively attached, pursuant to RSA 21-G:10, to the department to review requests for vital records information for the purposes of conducting health-related research. No vital records information requested for the purposes of conducting health-related research shall be released until the request has first been reviewed and approved by the board. II. The board shall have 6 members, with varying backgrounds to promote complete and adequate review of health-related research activities. The commissioner shall appoint 3 of the members and the secretary of state shall appoint 3 members. The board shall be sufficiently qualified through the experience and expertise of its members, and the diversity of the members to promote respect for its advice and counsel in safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of vital records information that is used for the purposes of health-related research. In addition to possessing the professional competence necessary to review specific health-related research activities, the board shall be able to ascertain the acceptability of proposed research in terms of applicable law, regulations, and standards of professional conduct and practice. The board shall therefore include persons knowledgeable in these areas. III. The board shall include at least one member whose primary concerns are in the area of public health research activities and at least one member whose primary concerns are in nonpublic health areas. IV. The board shall include at least 2 members who are not otherwise affiliated with either the department or the department of state and who are not part of the immediate family of a person who is affiliated with either the department or the department of state. V. No member of the board shall participate in initial or continuing review of any health-related research project in which the member has a conflicting interest, except to provide information requested by the board. VI. The board may, in its discretion, invite individuals with competence in special areas to assist in the review of issues which require expertise beyond or in addition to that possessed by the members of the board. These individuals may only offer advice and guidance and shall not participate in the decision as to whether or not to approve the release of vital records information for the purposes of health-related research. VII. The board shall have 2 part-time staff persons to conduct the duties associated with the work of the board. The board shall reimburse members for travel expenses associated with board activities. Source: Source. 2003, 319:76. 2010, 87:5, eff. July 24, 2010.