COVID Testing Update 12/7/21

We continue to work with the County Administration on the implementation of the COVID Testing policy. There are still various issues of concern such as scheduling while working, testing at work location, etc. One area of concern that was brought to our attention was the consent form being presented to all Baltimore County Employees to sign before being tested.

The language causing concern on the “Informed Consent” form reads as follows:
“Personally identifiable specimens will not be used for research without your consent.”

When brought to the attention of the Administration, their ideal resolution was to remove the word “research”.

This was not acceptable.
After some conversation I recommended and the Administration agreed to remove the exisitng language and replace it with the following:
“No personal information obtained through this COVID testing program will be used for anything other than this COVID testing.”

This change should be in place immediately.

Fraternally,
Dave Rose