Reporting Laws & Rules

Idaho's law authorizing the reporting of cancer.

Administrative Rules have the force and effect of law and as such are subject to a comprehensive process that includes review and approval by the Idaho Legislature in order to become final and enforceable.

Congress established the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) in 1992 by enacting the Cancer Registries Amendment Act. The Congressional mandate authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide funds to states and territories to: 1) improve existing cancer registries; 2) plan and implement registries where they do not exist; 3) develop model legislation and regulations for states to enhance the viability of registry operations; 4) set standards for data completeness, timeliness, and quality; 5) provide training for registry personnel; and, 6) help establish a computerized reporting and data processing system.

The HIPAA Privacy Rule recognizes the legitimate need for public health authorities and others responsible for ensuring public health and safety to have access to protected health information to carry out their public health mission. The Rule also recognizes that public health reports made by covered entities are an important means of identifying threats to the health and safety of the public at large, as well as individuals. Accordingly, the Rule permits covered entities to disclose protected health information without authorization for specified public health purposes.