In the Times advice column, a Los Angeles resident said they had requested not to be treated by a dental hygienist who had had COVID-19 and was frustrated when the practice said revealing the hygienists’ identity would violate HIPAA.
All employers, including dentists, are entitled to certain kinds of health information about staff and should generally keep that information confidential, reports the Times. Because the dentist was allowed the information necessary to determine whether the hygienist could safely be at work, patients in the clinic don’t need this information.
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