HIPAA and STDs: Understanding Privacy and Public Health Reporting

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) of 1996 is a set of federal laws that, among other things, protects patient privacy. This includes information related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), however public health reporting statutes can take precedence over the HIPAA.

Significance

• Although the HIPAA is meant to protect privacy, specifically in the sharing of patient health information, it does not apply to mandated reporters, including public health reporters. Mandated public health reporters are required to report incidents of STDs to legally authorized public health authorities and do not need patient consent.

Features

• For people with an STD diagnosis, specifically those with HIV/AIDS, privacy is of particular importance. The HIPAA may also play an important role in the increased treatment of STDs, as people may be more likely to get tested and treated if they believe that their privacy is protected.

Considerations

• Although the purpose of the HIPAA is to protect privacy, there are certain cases where the release of information, such as STD status, may be done without the patient's consent. These include emergency situations, correctional facilities such a prisons and law enforcement actions if there is a subpoena.