this post was submitted on 04 Jan 2024
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[–] godzillabacter@lemmy.world 33 points 10 months ago (2 children)

EMS communication over unencrypted channels is limited by HIPAA, patient information must be kept vague to protect patient privacy. In the event that, say, an individuals name needs to be given to the receiving facility to facilitate review of records prior to arrival by the ER physician, some other method of communication has to be used.

[–] rockSlayer@lemmy.world 21 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (2 children)

It's not a HIPAA violation for a report like this to go over unsecured radio waves:

16 year old male, unresponsive. Suspected alcohol poisoning. EMS required. Address to be provided by emergency services

[–] godzillabacter@lemmy.world 7 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I know, which is why my example was about providing the patient's name over the radio.

[–] KairuByte@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 10 months ago

Does EMS typically provide patient names over the radio? That honestly seems like information that would normally not be needed, or potentially even known.

[–] Kusimulkku@lemm.ee 2 points 10 months ago

They have to keep it vague like that because the channel is open to all. It's a limitation of the system.