Del. DHSS will not be sharing immigration information with feds

In Delaware, it appears that President Trump's immigration policies have created fear amongst individuals throughout the state.

Officials from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services say recently, immigrants in the state,  as well as undocumented and documented citizens have become scared to seek social and medical services.

We're told residents,  including pregnant women, and folks with chronic conditions are missing medical appointments because they are worried they'll be arrested and deported.  Due to this issue, the Secretary of Delaware's DHSS has released an opinion piece. Here is part of that op-ed:

"Our program offices, service centers and clinics will not share information about anyone's immigration status, benefits they receive, their address or other contact information, except in rare circumstances in which we have received a court order. Otherwise, whether you are a citizen or not, health records are protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and benefit records are protected by state and federal law. As a state government agency, we will respect your right to privacy and that of your family. " — Dr. Kara Odom Walker.

DHSS tells 47 ABC they hope to encourage Delawareans to continue receiving medical attention as well as help alleviate any concerns about federal authorities accessing private information.