General
Except as described otherwise in this section, employees receiving any subpoena, document, or other request to appear, respond, answer questions, or provide information to any court, administrative agency or department, or other legal authority, in connection with their employment relationship with, or which pertains to, Northeast Data must immediately notify and deliver the subpoena, document, or request to the Operations Department for legal review and direction BEFORE responding or providing information.
If damages, liability, or costs to Northeast Data result from an employee's failure to adhere to these procedures, the employee will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination from employment. This section does not apply to plaintiffs and petitioners in proceedings. Subpoenas and other legal pleadings for medical records or other records are addressed below.
If the Operations Department receives a subpoena, it will be forwarded to the President for legal review and instructions.
Medical Records
If Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield receives a subpoena and patient authorization for release of medical records, a copy of the subpoena and patient authorization, copies of the medical records, and a bill are to be forwarded to the Operations Department for legal review and, if approved, response to the requestor. The original subpoena, patient authorization, and medical records remain at Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Questions about subpoenas should be reviewed with the Operations Department prior to processing.