FAQ
- What is being released?
- Why are the records being released?
- What specifically is in the records?
- Why did the records request result in a court case?
- Was OHSU trying to prevent the documents from being released?
- Why is OHSU also making the records available to the press?
What is being released?
OHSU is releasing over 113 thousand pages of health records for monkeys housed at the OHSU Oregon National Primate Research Center between 8/1/1995 and 8/1/2002. The release terms were decided in conversations between the requestor, the animal rights group In Defense of Animals, and OHSU following a series of court decisions relating to OHSU staff privacy and security and the cost of producing these records.
Why are the records being released?
The records were initially requested by the animal rights group In Defense of Animals. Since that time, there have been several court discussions and rulings on the release, many in favor of OHSU. In releasing the records to a group with an established agenda of ending animal research, we also decided to make the records accessible to the press and launched this Web site.
What specifically is in the records?
The records are similar to health records for human patients, however they are much more detailed due to the fact that animals live at the primate center and therefore receive daily check-ups and veterinary care as needed. The records list everything related to the animals' care at ONPRC, from minor illness to surgical treatments. The records explain where the animals live, stool and blood sample results, and of course information about the research the animals are involved in.
Why did the records request result in a court case?
There are several issues that were discussed in the courts. For instance, the courts ruled in favor of OHSU that personnel information, such as staff names, could be removed from the records. This request was made to ensure staff safety. The courts also ruled in favor of OHSU in allowing for the removal of business proprietary information which would protect OHSU’s right to conduct business. An example of such information would be drug names being tested prior to clinical trials for OHSU or a pharmaceutical company. The court proceedings also included discussion of the fees that OHSU would be allowed to charge in producing the records. Under state law, an institution is allowed to charge for the costs of reviewing and producing records. In a case such as this, where more than one hundred thousand pages of information was requested, OHSU testified on the financial and staff losses that would occur. Future testimony revealed methods for greatly reducing these financial and time costs. This resulted in a conversation between IDA and OHSU and a solution.
Was OHSU trying to prevent the documents from being released?
No. OHSU supports the public’s right to know. We also support the public’s right to view this information in an unbiased way.
Has Why is OHSU also making the records available to the press?
OHSU is concerned that IDA, a group opposed to animal research, and other animal rights groups will attempt to use the records to paint a biased, false picture of OHSU’s primate center and research in animals in general. For example, activists might suggest that a rare animal illness or behavior is common at ONPRC. Also, the records happen to be from the same timeframe when IDA’s Matt Rossell took a job at the center to allege animal abuse. The allegations were proven false in a two-month federal investigation. However it is likely that Rossell, who continues to actively promote his false allegations, will use the records to once again try to negatively influence public opinion of OHSU research.
