The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule permits physicians and other covered entities to disclose protected health information, without a patient's written authorization, to public health authorities who are legally authorized to receive such reports for the purpose of preventing or controlling disease.

For more about the privacy rule and public health see:

MDH HIPAA Information Notice​

CDC HIPAA Privacy Rule and Public Health​​

The Maryland Department of Health or the health department Partner Services staff in the jurisdiction where your patient resides may contact you for additional information about your patient such as confirmatory test results or treatment information. Partner Services is a free and confidential health department program that assists in linking persons diagnosed with STIs and/or HIV and their partners to testing, treatment, medical care, prevention interventions and/or other appropriate support services in order to improve their health outcomes and reduce the risk of transmission to others. Partner Services staff help diagnosed individuals in planning the best way to notify their sex and/or needle-sharing partners who have been exposed to an STI or HIV. Additionally, Partner Services staff may contact people living with HIV to ensure they receive appropriate medical care. Partner services staff are available through all local health departments statewide. For additional information, visit our Partner Services page.​