§ 44-4-560 — Access to protected health information; disclosure.

(A) Access to protected health information of persons who have participated in medical testing, treatment, vaccination, isolation, or quarantine programs or efforts by DHEC during a public health emergency is limited to those persons having a legitimate need to: (1) provide treatment to the individual who is the subject of the health information; (2) conduct epidemiological research; or (3) investigate the causes of transmission. (B) Protected health information held by DHEC must not be disclosed to others without individual specific informed authorization except for disclosures made: (1) directly to the individual; (2) to the individual's immediate family members or life partners; (3) to appropriate state or federal agencies or authorities when necessary to protect public health; (4) to health care personnel where needed to protect the health or life of the individual who is the subject of the information; (5) pursuant to a court order or executive order of the Governor to avert a clear danger to an individual or the public health; or (6) to coroners, medical examiners, or funeral directors or others dealing with human remains to identify a deceased individual or determine the manner or cause of death.

Legislative History

HISTORY: 2002 Act No. 339, SECTION 24, eff July 2, 2002.