MIPPA: Medical Information Privacy and Protection Act

Introduction and Purpose

The purpose of this legislation is to protect individuals’ health information, ensuring that their sensitive medical records are treated with confidentiality and respect. If a patient is conscious and responsive and can confirm in person to medical personnel that they want their records released, this process is not required.

This Act does not apply to casual verbal communication among medical personnel, but any unauthorised sharing of medical information without valid reason or consent will be handled internally by the relevant faction or authority. When a medical report is formally provided to a member of law enforcement or the Department of Justice using this process, such delivery constitutes consent for the report to be made publicly available on the docket.

Constitutional Justification

This legislation protects the constitutional Right to Privacy and upholds the Right to Information by ensuring that patients are fully informed about when and how their medical records may be disclosed, and that such disclosures occur only under lawful or consented circumstances.

Article I - Submission of a Request

1. A lawyer or member of the Police Department must submit a formal written request to the San Andreas Medical Service (SAMS) for access to a patient’s medical records.
2. Requests must be submitted using an approved medical release form provided by medical staff.
3. The request must include documentation of a medical release contract created within the contract application or equivalent verified system.

Article II - Content of Medical Release

1. The medical release must clearly state that the patient or their emergency contact authorises the requester to receive specific medical reports, identifying the relevant dates or incidents.
2. The release must be signed by both the emergency contact (or patient) and the requester to be valid.
3. Any of the patient’s registered emergency contacts may sign for the release of records.

Article III - Unique Situations

1. If neither the patient nor an emergency contact is available or willing to authorise disclosure, and the records are still required, they must be subpoenaed through the Department of Justice.
2. Reports produced by the Psychology or Mental Health Department shall only be released directly to the presiding Judge assigned to the case. These reports may only be published on the docket if that Judge determines it is necessary and relevant.
3. Medical releases are not required for autopsies, as deceased persons do not retain rights to privacy.

Article IV - Privacy and Protection

1. Medical records shall be considered confidential and protected property of the patient.
2. Medical professionals, law enforcement officers, and attorneys who unlawfully disclose, alter, or misuse medical information may face administrative or criminal penalties, including removal from office, suspension, or prosecution.
3. Medical records must be stored in secure databases accessible only to authorised personnel.
4. Once a medical record is released under this Act, it may not be altered or edited in any form. Any corrections or additions must be logged as amendments with full attribution and timestamp.

Article V - Judicial Handling of Records

1. Medical records introduced in court proceedings by a party not directly representing the patient or victim shall be automatically sealed by default.
2. Such sealed records may only be unsealed by order of a Judge or Justice, who must record reasoning on the docket or in court transcript.
3. Records filed or shared under subpoena are considered public only to the extent authorised by the court.
4. Any breach of sealing orders shall constitute contempt of court and may result in immediate disciplinary or criminal proceedings.

Conclusion

The MIPPA Act establishes a robust and transparent framework for safeguarding medical privacy in San Andreas. It ensures patients’ rights are respected while balancing the lawful needs of justice and investigation. Through consistent oversight and judicial review, it strengthens public confidence in both the medical and legal systems.

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Signatories:

• Justice Bailey Harvey
• Justice Peter Brackley
• Justice Mina Mercy
• Justice Tess Timony
• Justice James Anderson