As Amended
SEC. 41-21-97. Confidentiality of hospital records and information; exceptions.
The hospital records of and information pertaining to patients at treatment facilities or patients being treated by physicians, psychologists or licensed master social workers shall be confidential and shall be released only: (a) upon written authorization of the patient; (b) upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction; (c) when necessary for the continued treatment of a patient; (d) when, in the opinion of the director, release is necessary for the determination of eligibility for benefits, compliance with statutory reporting requirements, or other lawful purpose; or (e) when the patient has communicated to the treating physician, psychologist or master social worker an actual threat of physical violence against a clearly identified or reasonably identifiable potential victim or victims, and then the treating physician, psychologist or master social worker may communicate the threat only to the potential victim or victims, a law enforcement agency, or the parent or guardian of a minor who is identified as a potential victim.
SOURCES: Laws, 1975, ch. 492, Sec. 7(1); 1984, ch. 477, Sec. 19; 1991, ch. 598 Sec. 1, eff from and after passage (approved April 15, 1991).