Minnesota Research Authorization
As a Mayo Clinic patient, you have several opportunities to participate in medical research, such as volunteering for a clinical study or authorizing Mayo to use information from your medical records.
Medical records research is a type of clinical study that helps Mayo researchers find ways to improve health care for patients and the community.
Research authorization process
Minnesota law requires that Mayo Clinic ask patients seen at its campus in Rochester, Minn., or affiliated Minnesota entities, for permission before using their medical records for research, a process called research authorization.
Mayo Clinic contacts you twice by mail with an opportunity to authorize or decline the use of your medical records for research. If you do not respond to these requests, Mayo is allowed by law to use your medical records for research.
Privacy and confidentiality
Only approved Mayo Clinic researchers, using secure computer systems, have access to medical records for research. No personal information is shared with employers, insurance companies or anyone not involved in the research, and only anonymous information is published in medical journals.
Contact
Center for Translational Science Activities — Research Authorization
- Mayo Clinic Plummer Building, Third Floor 200 First St. SW Rochester, MN 55905
- 507-293-3550