Title of Regulation: 18VAC76-40. Regulations Governing Emergency Contact Information (amending 18VAC76-40-20).

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2506.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: July 1, 2009.

Agency Contact: Elaine J. Yeatts, Senior Policy Analyst, Department of Health Professions, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4688, FAX (804) 527-4475, or email elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The current regulation states that emergency contact information provided by a health care professional is used only in the event of a public health emergency or for the purpose of disseminating notification of a public health emergency. The amendment extends the use of such information for the dissemination of public health information or for providing information related to serving during a public health emergency.

18VAC76-40-20. Emergency contact information.

A. Upon a request from the department, a person or entity listed in 18VAC76-40-10 shall be required to report the following information for contact in the event of a public health emergency or for dissemination of public health information:

1. A telephone number at which he may be contacted during weekday business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.);

2. A telephone number at which he may be contacted during nonbusiness hours (5 p.m. to 8 a.m. weekdays and on weekends or holidays);

3. A fax number at which he may be sent information concerning the emergency; and

4. An e-mail address at which he may be sent information concerning the emergency.

B. A person or entity shall only be required to report those fax numbers or e-mail addresses to which he has direct access.

C. Information collected for the purpose of disseminating notification of a public health emergency or public health information or providing information related to serving during a public health emergency shall not be published or made available for any other purpose.