Q&A: Disclosures to first responders

Q: Like other hospitals, we have had many patients transported via ambulance with COVID-19 symptoms. Once these patients are tested for the virus, are we permitted under HIPAA to disclose their test results to the first responders who treated them and brought them to the hospital? Should the first responders be made aware when they have interacted with a patient who has tested positive?

A: Yes, HIPAA permits the disclosure of communicable diseases to first responders, public health authorities, and law enforcement, among others. You do not need to obtain authorization from patients who tested positive for COVID-19 before making such disclosures. OCR issued an FAQ to that effect. For more information about what you may share, check out the FAQ.

Editor’s note: Chris Apgar, CISSP is president of Apgar & Associates, LLC, in Portland, Oregon. He is also a BOH editorial advisory board member. This information does not constitute legal advice. Consult legal counsel for answers to specific privacy and security questions. Opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent HCPro or ACDIS.