65-6016. Physician authorized to disclose infectious diseases to certain corrections employees; confidentiality; immunity in judicial proceedings. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a physician performing medical or surgical procedures on a patient who the physician knows has an infectious disease or has had a positive reaction to an infectious disease test may disclose such information to corrections employees who have been or will be placed in contact with body fluid of such patient. The information shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed by corrections employees except as may be necessary in providing treatment for such patient. Any other disclosure of such information by a corrections employee is a class C misdemeanor.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to create a duty to warn any person of possible exposure to an infectious disease.

(c) Any physician who discloses information in accordance with the provisions of this section in good faith and without malice shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed in an action resulting from such disclosure. Any such physician shall have the same immunity with respect to participation in any judicial proceeding resulting from such disclosure.

History: L. 1993, ch. 221, § 3; L. 2001, ch. 102, § 2; July 1.