Missouri law permits the use of patient medical record information for research purposes.  The law prohibits researchers from releasing information that could identify a provider, patient, or health care facility.1  Additionally, the law allows testing specimens to be used for research purposes as long as the information does not identify the individual.2  The Department of Health and Senior Services is authorized to use data provided by providers to develop publicly available reports and studies, but may not use data that identifies the patient.3  The Department may also authorize epidemiological research based on patient abstract data.  However, patient identifying information may not be released by the researcher.4

        Missouri also authorizes the creation of a genetic disease registry to be used for the treatment and prevention of genetic diseases.5  The law also requires information to be collected on brain and spinal cord injury to be used for research purposes.6  The Department of Health and Senior Services has established a cancer registry to advance research objectives.7  In general, researchers do not have access to individually identifiable data contained in the registries, unless the patient consents.