§ 1001.42. Dissemination of information.

 (a)  A person who collects, has access to, or knowledge of, confidential information collected under §  1001.41 (relating to data and information requirements for ambulance services), by virtue of that person’s participation in the Statewide EMS system, may not provide the EMS patient care report, or disclose the confidential information contained in the report or a report or record thereof, except:

   (1)  To another person who by virtue of that person’s office as an employe of the Department is entitled to obtain the information.

   (2)  To another person or agency under contract with or licensed by the Department and subject to strict supervision by the Department to insure that the use of the data is limited to specific research, planning, quality improvement and complaint investigation purposes and that appropriate measures are taken to protect patient confidentiality.

   (3)  To the patient who is the subject of the information released or to a person who is authorized to exercise the rights of the patient with respect to securing the information, such as the patient’s duly appointed attorney-in-fact.

   (4)  Under an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, including a subpoena when it constitutes a court order, except when the information is of a nature that disclosure under a subpoena is not authorized by law.

   (5)  For the purpose of quality improvement activities, with strict attention to patient confidentiality.

   (6)  For the purpose of data entry/retrieval and billing, with strict attention to patient confidentiality.

   (7)  Under §  1001.41 and to another health care provider to whom a patient’s medical record may be released under the law.

 (b)  The Department will regularly disseminate nonconfidential, statistical data collected from EMS patient care reports to providers of EMS for improvement of services.

   The provisions of this §  1001.42 amended October 13, 2000, effective October 14, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 5363. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (247535) to (247536).

   This section cited in 28 Pa. Code §  1001.41 (relating to data and information requirements for ambulance services); 28 Pa. Code §  1005.10 (relating to licensure and general operating standards); 28 Pa. Code §  1007.7 (relating to licensure and general operating requirements); and 28 Pa. Code §  1015.1 (relating to quick response service).