Learn About the Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2022 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
(a) Permissible disclosure.--Notwithstanding the provisions of section 7, 1 a physician may disclose confidential HIV-related information if all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The disclosure is made to a known contact of the subject.
(2) The physician reasonably believes disclosure is medically appropriate, and there is a significant risk of future infection to the contact.
(3) The physician has counseled the subject regarding the need to notify the contact, and the physician reasonably believes the subject will not inform the contact or abstain from sexual or needle-sharing behavior which poses a significant risk of infection to the contact.
(4) The physician has informed the subject of his intent to make such disclosure.
(b) Subject not to be identified.--When making such disclosure to a contact, the physician shall not disclose the identity of the subject or any other contact. Disclosure shall be made in person except where circumstances reasonably prevent doing so.
(c) Duties relating to contacts.--A physician shall have no duty to identify, locate or notify any contact, and no cause of action shall arise for nondisclosure or for disclosure in conformity with this section.
(d) Other immunity.--The physician who certifies that a significant exposure has occurred as provided by section 6 2 shall not be subject to civil liability for the exposure evaluation if acting in the good faith and reasonable belief that the certification was appropriate and consistent with this act.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Pennsylvania Statutes Title 35 P.S. Health and Safety § 7609. Civil immunity for certain physicians - last updated January 01, 2022 | https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-35-ps-health-and-safety/pa-st-sect-35-7609/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)