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Q: Does HIPAA prevent hospitals from releasing any and all information about patients? Does HIPAA restrict our ability to publish medical information? A: While HIPAA prohibits unauthorized release of individually identifiable health records, it permits the release of “directory information” about patients identified by name in certain circumstances, and HIPAA does not apply to the…

Q: I want to review a private criminal complaint, but the magisterial district judge (MDJ) is telling me I can’t have a copy until the district attorney approves it. When do private criminal complaints become public records? A: The timing of public access depends on which agency holds the record, but private criminal complaints are…

Q: Advertisers want to use the term “World Cup 2026” to promote their products and events.  Should we allow that, or do they need permission to use the term? A: Advertisers need permission to use the term “World Cup 2026” because the term is protected by trademark. News coverage about the World Cup is not…

Q: Many local agencies routinely take a 30-calendar-day extension to respond to Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) requests, usually citing the need for legal review or due to staffing limitations, even for simple, obviously public records like meeting minutes and agendas. Should they do that, and can I challenge these extensions? A: It is important to understand…