Which of the following has access to personally identifiable data without authorization or subpoena?

The correct choice indicates that a public health department can access personally identifiable data without authorization or subpoena for the purpose of disease reporting. This practice is grounded in public health laws, which allow health departments to collect data necessary to monitor and control communicable diseases, thereby protecting the health of the community.

In many jurisdictions, public health entities have a lawful mandate to conduct surveillance of disease outbreaks, which requires access to specific identifiable health information. Such access is typically outlined in regulations that prioritize public health over individual privacy concerns, allowing them to respond effectively to health threats.

Moreover, the confidentiality and protection of individual’s data remain important, but the legal framework often provides exceptions for public health reporting to fulfill responsibilities to safeguard public health, thereby preventing the spread of diseases and improving health outcomes for the broader community.