Medical Privacy should always be considered in responding to Public Records Act requests
In addition to federal HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requirements, the Washington State Medical Records Act, Chapter 70.02 RCW places strict limits upon the disclosure of health care information. These limits apply to all health care providers, not only to hospitals. This includes anyone who "is licensed, certified, registered, or otherwise authorized by the law of this state to provide health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession." An example would be EMT services provided by fire departments and fire districts. The Public Records Act specifically incorporates the Washington Medical Records Act at RCW 42.56.360. Washington's privacy protections are thus different from and in addition to those provided by federal law under HIPAA. More information regarding HIPAA is available at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services HIPAA website
