Developments in information
technology that make it
possible to rapidly transmit
health information also raise
questions about the possible
inappropriate use and protection
of identifiable (or potentially
identifiable) personal
health information.
Despite efforts to improve
state laws, adoption of provisions
has lagged. We found
that half of states have no statutes
addressing nondisclosure
of personally identifiable health
information generally held by
public health agencies. Exceptional
treatment of HIV, sexually
transmitted infections, or
tuberculosis-related information
was common. Where other
provisions were found, there
was little consistency in the
laws across states.
The variation in state laws
supports the need to build
consensus on the appropriate
use and disclosure of public
health information among public
health practitioners. (Am
J Public Health. 2011;101:
1845–1850. doi:10.2105/AJPH.
2011.300206)