Poison Control Centers

Sharing protected health information (PHI) with Poison Control Centers can fall under two categories, (1) treatment, or (2) public health activities. Under the treatment category, healthcare professionals may share PHI with poison control centers for obtaining information from the poison control center such as counseling and follow-up consultations in order to provide treatment to the patient. Poison Control Centers also function as a public health authority when they are conducting/maintaining the Toxic Exposure Surveillance System (TESS). Designated personnel may disclose PHI to a poison control center for this activity following minimum necessary standards and tracking the disclosure.

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