Does HIPAA allow physicians to send patient data to SFDPH without specific patient authorization?
Yes. Language in the HIPAA Privacy Rule, Section 164.512(b), specifically authorizes disclosures for public health purposes. Providers are authorized to disclose protected health information to a public health authority, without individual authorization, for the purpose of conducting public health surveillance, public health investigations, and public health interventions. The information on the “Follow-up of Positive Hepatitis B Laboratory Report” form may be disclosed under this authority.
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