Poison centers were established as health care providers authorized to share protected patient information with health care providers providing direct patient care in HIPAA regulations in 45CFR parts 160 and 164 as published in the Federal Register on Dec 28, 2000. In addition, the CDC has provided the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) with a grant of authority to conduct surveillance activity and function as a public health authority to which covered entities may disclose protected health information.
In addition, the Florida Poison Information Centers are a State of Florida, Department of Health program performing public health functions. As such we are exempt from HIPAA privacy regulations.
Use the following links for documentation in Adobe .pdf format:
CFR45, Federal Register, Dec 28, 2000
Letter from State of Florida Department of Health confirming that Poison Centers in Florida are performing public health functions under state law and are exempt from HIPAA privacy regulations. Health care providers may share information with the poison centers without written consent.
HIPAA Privacy: Working with Florida's Poison Control Centers. Florida Hospital Association