SB 5793-S - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/16/99)

     Declares that, in order to assure compliance with the protections under chapter 70.24 RCW and the rules of the board, and to assure public confidence in the confidentiality of reported information, the department shall:  (1) Report annually to the board incidents of unauthorized disclosure of information protected under RCW 70.24.105 and the rules of the board related to disease reporting.  The report shall include recommendations for preventing future unauthorized disclosures and improving the system of confidentiality for reported information;

     (2) assist health care providers, facilities that conduct tests, local health departments, and other persons involved in disease reporting to understand, implement, and comply with chapter 70.24 RCW and the rules of the board related to disease reporting; and

     (3) develop and implement, in coordination with local health departments and health care providers, a program of public and consumer education regarding the functioning and purpose of the confidentiality provisions of RCW 70.24.105 and the rules of the board, and the rights and remedies provided for any violation thereof.