This white paper discusses the legal framework surrounding public safety answering points (PSAPs) and emergency call centers (ECCs) screening callers for COVID-19 status, and whether telecommunicators may disclose callers’ status to first responders. This document should not be construed as legal advice, and PSAP officials should consult with counsel to ensure that their practices are consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.

First, if a caller voluntarily shares COVID status information, this often satisfies relevant compliance requirements. Second, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) likely does not apply to PSAP/ECCs regarding a caller’s COVID-19 status. Finally, PSAP/ECCs should work with local public health authorities to implement privacy best practices.

The white paper also includes a 50-state chart mapping current PSAP/ECC practices around screening callers and state health privacy laws that may be applicable to PSAP/ECC COVID-19 caller queries.