New White Paper Explores HIPAA & COVID-19 Disclosure in 9-1-1
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A white paper, 911 Caller COVID-19 Disclosure, released by the Samuelson-Glushko Technology Law and Policy Clinic at Colorado Law, a part of the University of Colorado, discusses the role of HIPAA in the 9-1-1 community as it relates to 9-1-1 callers sharing information regarding their COVID-19 status.
Unlike healthcare entities, HIPAA does not apply to PSAPs and ECCs, allowing telecommunicators to relay patient COVID-19 disclosures to responding emergency personnel. In turn, this important information helps protect emergency personnel by allowing them to adequately prepare—such as outfitting with PPE—before they reach the potentially COVID-19-positive patient, minimizing spread of the virus.
Refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for PSAPs and ECCs to follow when sharing patient COVID-19 disclosures, and consult with your Public Health Authorities to ensure your agency adheres to local privacy guidelines.
