Confidentiality of reportable disease and public health investigation information

OK Communicable Disease Confidentiality

Health · Government records

Makes Health Department records on reportable communicable and noncommunicable diseases, including HIV and hepatitis B, and public health investigation participants confidential, with release only in listed circumstances such as court order, written informed consent, or de-identified statistics. Anyone who wrongfully discloses such information faces criminal and civil liability.

Where: Oklahoma
Citation: 63 O.S. § 1-502.2
Status: In force
In force since: 1988-07-01
Last amended: 2021-04-20
Enforced by: District attorneys (misdemeanor); private civil actions by the subject of a disclosure
People can sue: Yes
Penalties: Negligent, knowing, or intentional disclosure or failure to protect is a misdemeanor (fine of at least $1,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both) and creates civil liability for actual damages, exemplary damages, court costs, and attorney fees.
Applies to: The State Department of Health
Any person (including health care providers, school officials, and committee members) who discloses or fails to protect information classified as confidential under the section

Practices it requires

Release reportable-disease information only by court order, informed written consent (after notice of release provisions), public health necessity consistent with HIPAA, exposure notification, disease-control enforcement, de-identified statistics, or among treating providers.63 O.S. § 1-502.2(A)-(B)
Members of school placement teams and HIV/HBV health care worker advisory committees must protect the confidentiality of the individuals discussed.63 O.S. § 1-502.2(C)-(D)

Other duties

Do not negligently, knowingly, or intentionally disclose or fail to protect information classified confidential under the section.63 O.S. § 1-502.2(G)-(H)

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-09-25 by research agent (Claude), primary sources.

Research reference, not legal advice.