This valuable information comes from muckrock.com
With so much of the news focused on health and wellness due to COVID-19 pandemic, it can sometimes be tricky determining which health information is available to the public.
Well, WBUR Deputy Managing Editor Todd Wallack has the answers. The longtime investigative reporter and former member of the Boston Globe’s Spotlight Team recently broke down the federal law and when medical information can be requested.
According to Wallack, HIPAA only applies to health plans and providers, but not to most other organizations, including
• employers
• most state and local police or other law enforcement agencies
• many state agencies like child protective services
• most schools and school districts.
For information on the health privacy law, read Health and Human Service’s own guidance.