What overrides what, HIPPA or Ryan WHITE?

Question

Is it legal, under HIPPA regulations (1993), to notify emergency personnel of infectious exposure as described under the RYAN WHITE ACT (1990) even if the information is identifiable?

Answer 1

I was certified as a emergency medical responder thru the county fire dept......we never asked a patient if they had an infectious disease if called to an accident or to a home....we were taught to "assume everyone COULD have something contagious" and wore gloves when handling a patient. HIPAA regulations relate to discussing your medical conditions with others but if it is for continuation of care...such as to another doctor you are referred to and you are willing to go, he will be informed of ALL your history to treat you accordingly, and as for hospital emergency rooms they will wear protective gloves etc also but you should be willing to inform them of ANY condition which may have a medical bearing on treatment they are to give you in such case as an emergency.
Another thing with HIPAA is that outside the medical field your medical record can not be released or discussed with anyone without a signed authorization by you.
There are certain diseases required by law to report to the State Health Depts.