FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5886

                              C 123 L 89

BYSenate Committee on Health Care & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senator West)

Modifying confidentiality standards for information regarding sexually transmitted diseases.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

House Committe on Health Care

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Current law contains prohibitions against the transfer of any information regarding requests for, the receipt of or the results of any test for a sexually transmitted disease (STD), with limited exceptions.  Some health care professionals are concerned that such "confidentiality statutes" are so encompassing that the normal and necessary exchange of medical information may be jeopardized.  Child care workers are similarly concerned.

SUMMARY:

Information identifying a person who:  (a) has received an STD test, (b) has an STD diagnosis, or (c) is receiving treatment for an STD may be disclosed unless the tests are for HIV or the test results are positive, with certain exceptions.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) workers and persons making recommendations to the court are exempt from prohibitions against disclosure of protected STD information.  Children's residential care providers may be exempt as well if DSHS determines their access to the information is necessary for the provision of services.

Prohibitions against disclosure of protected STD information do not apply to the customary methods used for the exchange of medical information among health care providers in order to provide health care services to the patient, nor within health care facilities where there is a need for access to confidential medical information to fulfill professional duties.

No written statement must be given when disclosure of protected STD information is made to (a) a subject's legal representative, (b) health care providers, or (c) within health care settings as needed to fulfill professional duties.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   43    0

     House 96  0 (House amended)

     Senate   44    2 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989