ATTN: MN PSAP MANAGERS: Important Information for Implementing Executive Order 20-34

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department of public safety - emergency communication networks
 

IMPORTANT INFO FOR MN PSAP MANAGERS

Friday, April 17, 2020

INFORMATION FOR IMPLEMENTING EXECUTIVE ORDER 20-34



Good evening Minnesota PSAP Managers~

As National Telecommuncator Week 2020 comes to a close, we again recognize the value our 9-1-1 telecommunicators play in public safety.  Now we need your help to implement Governor Tim Walz’s Executive Order 20-34: Protecting Minnesota’s First Responders by Directing the Commissioner of Health to Share Information with the Department of Public Safety, 9-1-1 Dispatchers, and First Responders.

The Governor’s order states, “We must ensure that this health information is disclosed only to those who have an emergent need to know it, and we must implement safeguards to ensure that no one abuses this data.”

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) worked with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and stakeholders, including the ACLU, to finalize the protocol as directed in Governor Walz’s executive order. 

Today we are sharing the protocol and associated training materials with Minnesota PSAPs and first responder organizations throughout the state. Please take time to familiarize yourselves and your staffs with the following documents:

  • Executive Order 20-34
  • The MDH-DPS Protocol which defines the process that must be followed to ensure strict confidentiality is maintained with respect to the shared private health data.
  • Confidentiality agreements for PSAP Director/Manager and other PSAP Employees that must be signed and retained in accordance with prescribed protocol.
  • Training Bulletin to educate 9-1-1 Telecommunicators and First Responders on data management and sharing requirements to include penalties for misuse.

On Tuesday, April 21, 2020, ECN will offer two educational WebEx meetings to review the training bulletin expectations specific to PSAP personnel, as well as to answer any questions.  An email will be sent to all PSAP managers as an Outlook meeting invite.  Please feel free to forward these on to others within your PSAP who will support this initiative.   

Once the WebEx meetings are completed, DPS will coordinate the information sharing start day with MDH. 

Thank you for your willing assistance in managing a critical piece of this protocol to help keep our first responders safe.  Working together we will make Minnesota stronger and safer.   

With appreciation,

Dana

Dana Wahlberg Contact Info