Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Fact Sheet
When responding to an emergency, Fire/EMS health care providers safeguard the confidentiality of individually identifiable health care information created in response to an emergency incident. The information contained in the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) Patient Care Report (PCR) is covered under HIPAA.
Requesting a PCR
Patients, Parents of Minor Children, Personal Representatives or Next-of-Kin
- Must complete Request for Release of Information form (Form 79 on FEMS website)
- Present a picture identification card
- Sign for receipt of the patient care report.
- Personal representatives are required to provide proof of status and identity.
Written Authorization
Signed patient authorization must contain the following information:
- Patient name, address, telephone number, e-mail (optional), social security number.
- Description of the purpose of the use or disclosure.
- Name of person or entity to which the patient is authorizing disclosure of the PCR.
Court Order, Court-Ordered Subpoena or Warrant
You may receive a PCR in accordance with an order by any court of competent jurisdiction.
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