Informed Consent for UNMC Media Production and Distribution Procedures

Please see: UNMC Policy 6030, [[Informed Consent for UNMC Media | Informed Consent for UNMC Media Production and Distribution]

NOTE: If the news media is involved in the production, see the News Media section of UNMC Policy No. 6001, Strategic Communications and related procedures.

Procedures

In all cases, any department seeking to produce an audio-visual production, or involved in contracting for the production, is responsible for securing the appropriate authorizations from participants. The subject/participant involved (and/or the person signing the authorization form) should be informed regarding the nature of his/her participation in the product and told clearly how the finished product will be used. When the subject (or his/her legal representative) clearly understands this information, the appropriate authorization for should be signed and witnessed.

If a participant, parent, legal guardian or other such representative, does not wish to sign the authorization form, the participant cannot be included in the media production.

Authorization Forms Required

The Media Authorization Form (CON-0043) is used to obtain informed consent from participants in the production of audio-visual media. This form must be obtained for each participant involved in any product or production. The form is available from the Department of Strategic Communications through the brand site.

Procedures

In all cases, the subject/participant involved (and/or the person signing the authorization form) should be informed regarding the nature of his/her participation in the product and told clearly how the finished product will be used. When the subject (or his/her legal representative) clearly understands this information, the appropriate authorization for should be signed and witnessed.

If a participant, parent, legal guardian or other such representative, does not wish to sign the authorization form, the participant cannot be included in the media production.

1. Responsibility for obtaining the consent.
   1. Any department seeking to produce an audio-visual production, or is involved in contracting for the production, is responsible for securing the appropriate authorizations from participants.
   2. If the participant is a patient, that individual’s physician or other designated person is responsible for explaining the purpose of the use of the media product and obtaining the appropriate signatures.
   3. If the participant is not a patient, the responsible department personnel will explain the purpose of the media production and the release form and obtain the required signatures.
2. Authorized Signatures
   1. If the participant is 19 years and older: The participant will sign the appropriate form.
   2. If the participant is under 19 but married, self-supporting or living apart from parents: The participant will sign the appropriate form; a parent’s signature is not required.
   3. If the participant is between 14 and 19 years of age: The participant will be asked to sign and a parent or legal guardian will also sign the appropriate authorization form.
   4. If the participant is under 14 years of age: A parent or legal guardian will be asked to sign the appropriate authorization form. If possible, both parents should be asked to sign.
   5. If the participant has a court-appointed legal guardian, that legal guardian must sign the authorization form.
3. Maintaining Authorization Form Records
   1. For patient participants: The original, signed authorization form must be placed in the patient’s chart and a duplicate copy filed in the responsible department’s files.
   2. For all other participants: The original, signed authorization form will be retained by the UNMC department or individual responsible for the production of the media product.
4. Authorization Requirements in Suspected Child Abuse Cases
   1. Prior authorization is not required for photography or other media recordings in cases of suspected child abuse. Such media products may be made in the following instances:
   2. If a physician has a valid medical reason for believing child abuse has occurred.
   3. If the media is required for documentation and inclusion in the medical record.
   4. If the product is required as part of the physician’s child abuse report to the police.
   5. Such media products may not be released to outside parties unless the request is made by court order or by a valid and enforceable subpoena.
      
      

Informed Consent for UNMC Media Production and Distribution

This page updated on Monday, February 16, 2004 by dkp.