"Unconventional formation." A geological shale formation
existing below the base of the Elk Sandstone or its geologic
equivalent stratigraphic interval where natural gas generally
cannot be produced at economic flow rates or in economic volumes
except by vertical or horizontal well bores stimulated by
hydraulic fracture treatments or by using multilateral well
bores or other techniques to expose more of the formation to the
well bore.
"Unconventional gas well." A bore hole drilled or being
drilled for the purpose of or to be used for the production of
natural gas from an unconventional formation.
Section 4. Establishment of health registry.
The department shall establish, by January 1, 2018, a
population-based health registry for the collection of health-
related data associated with unconventional gas well drilling.
The registry shall consist of health-related data collected and
provided by health care practitioners.
Section 5. Reporting by health care practitioner.
All cases of health concerns that have been diagnosed or
treated by a health care practitioner and may be associated with
unconventional gas well operations must be reported to the
department on forms furnished by the department or through the
use of a health information exchange.
Section 6. Confidentiality.
Information regarding patient identity received by the
department shall be kept confidential and shall not be subject
to the act of February 14, 2008 (P.L.6, No.3), known as the
Right-to-Know Law. The department shall at all times respect the
privacy of patients and patient records, which shall be subject
to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of
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