Alabama Administrative Code
Title 420 - ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
Chapter 420-6-2 - EXCHANGE OF IMMUNIZATION INFORMATION AND OPERATION OF THE ALABAMA IMMUNIZATION REGISTRY
Section 420-6-2-.03 - Exchange Of Immunization Information

(1) Health care providers shall provide immunization data about an individual upon the request of an immunization data user, as provided herein.

(2) No immunization data user shall inquire about immunization data without a reasonable basis for believing that the health care provider has immunization data on the particular individual.

(3) The request from the immunization data user may be presented by letter, telephone call, fax, other electronic means, or in person and in a manner that identifies the requester as an immunization data user. The responding health care provider shall provide the data in a timely manner and form that facilitate achieving the appropriate immunization of the particular individual or enable the requesting immunization data user to meet legal responsibilities. Health care providers shall not refuse or delay the exchange of immunization data with immunization data users.

(4) Immunization data users shall not release immunization data obtained from health care providers except to other immunization data users, the individual, or his/her parents or legal guardians, or except upon presentation of a properly executed release. Identifying and locating data shall be exchanged only to the extent required to confirm the identity of the individual about whom immunization data are sought.

(5) Health care providers are strongly encouraged to submit data to the immunization registry, and immunization data users are strongly encouraged to access the immunization registry as a preferred means to exchange immunization data.

Author: Charles H. Woernle, M.D., M.P.H.