I got an interesting note from a journalist and wanted to pass it along to see if others are encountering the same issue with getting access to school-based H1N1 clinics.
Hey Al,
The RI Department of Health and the school district I cover, South Kingstown, RI, are refusing media access to
school-based H1N1 clinics, citing HIPAA concerns.
I went first to the school, as I do for any school event. I was referred to the Superintendent, who told me we would not be allowed inside
the clinic area, nor would I be able to shoot the line of students and their parents waiting. She cited HIPAA. I pushed back, and the Supt. sent me the district lawyer's interpretation, which backed her up.
Meanwhile, I obtained parental consent to photograph a couple of kids -- and again, the district said that didn't matter, we would not be allowed in.
I complained to DOH, who did not respond directly, but issued
a media advisory saying no media would be allowed in the clinic area. Site coordinators were given instructions to block all media from the room, and to refuse photos of parents/children waiting in line.
I'll note the DOH issued this edict while saying they want to quell fears about H1N1, and
get the word out about the clinics!
My paper has shot seasonal flu clinics for years, and, in the past, has obtained patient permission to shoot many other medical images, including surgeries. We do not see how this is any different.
A neighboring town, Narragansett, is interpreting it differently -- saying they interpreted the DOH guidelines as guidelines, and the Superintendent has the final say about access, and will allow it with parental consent. Their clinic is this afternoon, and so far, they are allowing us access.
Wondering if you're hearing about reporters in other areas getting this runaround.
Cheers,
Liz Boardman
Independent Staff Writer
South County Independent
Let us know whether you've had similar access issues and how you've handled them.
There has not been any large school-based clinics locally yet...
