HIPAA versus State Laws
HIPAA is not the only federal law [PDF – 105 KB] that impacts the disclosure of health information. In some instances, a more protective law may require an individual’s permission to disclose health information where HIPAA would permit the information to be disclosed without the individual’s authorization. State and local laws also apply to health care information stored about patients. HIPAA does not override State law provisions that are at least as protective as HIPAA.
State Law Requirements for Patient Permission to Disclose Health Information Report [PDF – 1.3 MB]
Research findings into how the various state laws govern the disclosure of health information. This document also provides an overview of federal consent laws.
Access to Minors’ Health Information [PDF – 238 KB]
Section 3.2.6 of this report covers access to minors’ heath information. It includes a discussion of minors’ ability to consent to disclosure of related health information.