Issue Brief

Undocumented Immigrants and Patient Privacy Laws

Issue BriefHealth Information and Data Sharing

June 4, 2019
by Kathleen Hoke and Kerri McGowan Lowrey

Concern over immigration enforcement can prevent immigrants from obtaining needed health care. Many immigrants worry that health workers will share their undocumented status with immigration authorities. Removing barriers to immigrants’ utilization of preventative and other health care services is important for public health. This issue brief explores relevant federal and state health privacy laws and how they apply to undocumented immigrants and provides information on health care providers’ rights and responsibilities when providing health care to immigrants.

View page

Legal Considerations for Community Health Workers and their Employers

Issue BriefWorkforce Expansion

March 1, 2019
by Colleen Healy Boufides

There is growing recognition of the unique role that Community Health Workers (CHWs) can play in addressing social determinants of health. Health departments and community-based organizations are increasingly relying on them to provide a variety of services. This issue brief explores legal issues relating to the regulation and employment of community health workers.

View page