A dispatcher takes a call from a known local journalist asking for details about a multi-car pileup, including the conditions and names of those involved. The dispatcher knows that some medical information was relayed over the radio. According to HIPAA and general confidentiality principles, which action is most appropriate?
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A
State that the incident is under investigation and refer the journalist to the agency's Public Information Officer (PIO).
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B
Provide only the number of vehicles and the general location, but withhold names and medical status.
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C
Confirm the names of the individuals involved since that is public record, but withhold medical information.
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D
Inform the journalist that due to HIPAA, no information whatsoever can be released about any incident.