LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


SB 337, as amended, Alquist. Patient medical information:
disclosure: reporting.
Existing law establishes provisions for the licensing and
certification of clinics, health facilities, home health agencies,
and hospices under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Public
Health. Existing law prohibits these entities from unlawfully
accessing, using, or disclosing a patient's medical information, and
authorizes the department to assess administrative penalties for
violations. Existing law also requires these entities to report
instances of unlawful access, use, or disclosure of a patient's
medical information, as prescribed, within 5 days of detecting it.
This bill would specify that this period is 5 business days.
This bill would require a clinic, health facility, home health
agency, or hospice to delay reporting the unlawful access, use, or
disclosure of a patient's medical information beyond 5 business days,
as specified, if a law enforcement agency or official provides a
written or oral statement that compliance with the reporting
requirements will impede the law enforcement agency's activities and
specifying the date upon which the delay shall end, as prescribed.