§ 68-5-604 — Reports - Confidentiality

(a) The laboratory report of the serological test shall be made on a form provided by the department. (b) A detailed report of the standard serological test and showing the result of the test shall be transmitted by the laboratory to the health care provider. A copy of the laboratory specimen slip shall be concurrently submitted to the local health department having jurisdiction under the following conditions, when the local health department is not the originating health care provider: (1) A serologic test for syphilis with a result of reactive; however, a serologic test for syphilis with a result of negative need not be sent to the local health department, unless specifically requested; and (2) A serologic test for rubella with a result of negative; however, a serologic test for rubella with a result of positive need not be sent to the local health department, unless specifically requested. (c) The copy submitted to the local health department shall be held in absolute confidence and not open to public inspection; provided, that it shall be produced as evidence at a trial or proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction, involving issues in which it may be material and relevant, on order of a judge of the court; and provided further, that it may be used in the compilation of aggregate figures and reports, without disclosing the identities of the persons involved. (d) The physician of any patient who is susceptible to rubella, as indicated by a negative result on a serological test, should counsel the patient about the test results, precautions to take, and recommend immunization after delivery.

Legislative History

Acts 1985, ch. 13, § 2.