What constitutes a breach of confidentiality?
A breach of confidentiality occurs when analysts release information in a way that identifies an individual and reveals confidential information about that person. The following guidelines provide some cues to situations that present high risk for a breach of confidentiality and some suggestions on how to reduce this risk. In addition to these guidelines, analysts should become familiar with the provisions of DOH Policy 17.006 and RCW 70.02, as well as confidentiality requirements for specific databases as defined in state laws and regulations. Please note that state laws and regulations supercede guidance provided in this document.
