33-24-155. Reports required to state health officer.

(a) As provided by department of health rule and regulation, a pharmacist shall report in the manner established through published reporting procedures provided to each licensed pharmacist, any unusually high volume of any type of prescription filled, unusual trend in pharmacy visits or unusual trend in nonprescription medication sales that the pharmacist has reason to believe is related to a public health emergency.

(b) Pursuant to department of health rule and regulation, there may be a review of medical records by the state health officer, his designee or their designated health care representative who shall be under the direct supervision of the state health officer or his designee to confirm diagnosis, investigate causes or identify other cases of disease conditions in a region, community or workplace in the state to determine if proper measures have been taken to protect the public health and safety. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the review of records during a public health emergency or disease outbreak may occur without patient consent, but shall be kept confidential and shall be restricted to information necessary for the control, investigation and prevention of any disease condition dangerous to the public health. Any person who receives medical information under this subsection shall not disclose that information for any other purpose than the investigation and any disease control effort. Any violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or both.