Which type of medical record information must be disclosed to health departments without patient consent?

Certain types of medical information are mandated by public health laws to be reported to health departments to monitor and control diseases, thereby protecting the health of the community. HIV cases fall under this category, as they are considered infectious diseases that require public health surveillance. The disclosure of such information without patient consent is crucial for tracking the incidence of HIV, enabling epidemiological research, and ensuring that preventive measures are taken to combat the spread of the virus. This procedure aligns with laws and ethical considerations aimed at protecting public health while maintaining patient confidentiality in other contexts.

In contrast, routine check-up records, emergency contact details, and insurance information are not typically required to be disclosed in this manner, as they do not pose an immediate risk to public health and are governed by strict privacy regulations.