Metropolitan Pediatrics is committed to protecting your family’s privacy. Oregon law gives you the right to decide if your health information or biological samples can be used for genetic research.
What Are Biological Samples?
A biological sample is material collected from your body, like blood or urine. You have the choice to allow your child’s health information or biological samples to be used for genetic research, and your decision will not affect the medical care you receive or your health insurance coverage.
Why Research Matters
Genetic research helps us learn more about diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This knowledge can lead to better ways to prevent and treat illnesses. Before any genetic research begins in Oregon, a special team reviews it to ensure the benefits outweigh any potential risks to participants.
How Your Identity Is Protected
- Anonymous Research: Your personal information (like your name or Social Security number) is never linked to your health information or biological sample.
- Coded Research: Your personal information is kept completely separate from your health information or biological sample, making it extremely difficult to connect them.
In both types of research, your identity remains protected.
Your Choice to Participate in Genetic Research
If you do not want your child’s health information and biological samples used for anonymous or coded genetic research, you must tell your healthcare provider. You can do this by checking the opt-out box on the form, signing it, and returning it to the clinic.
If you are comfortable with your child’s information and samples being available for anonymous or coded genetic research, simply sign and return the form without checking the opt-out box. If you choose this, your child’s information or samples may be used for research without further notice to you.
Changing Your Mind
You can change your decision at any time by completing a new form and returning it to your healthcare provider. Your new choice will apply to health information or biological samples collected after we receive the updated form.
If you have questions about genetic testing, please call the Oregon Genetics Program at 971-673-0271. This form will be kept in your child’s medical chart.